Shelby Living, March/April 2025 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

Special Equestrians is enriching the lives of individuals with special needs through the love of equine friendship. OF HEARTS & HOOVES

Look no further than local businesses to find the perfect summer camp option.

When planning your wedding journey, the destinations you choose play a pivotal role in creating lifelong memories.

PHOTO BY KELSEA SCHAFER

PHOTO BY BLAIR RAMSEY

EDITORIAL

Michaela Bankston

Dave Domescik

Anna Grace Moore

Tyler Raley

Andrew Simonson

Noah Wortham

CONTRIBUTORS

Trinity Cornett

Lindsay Dyess

Nicole Mitchem

Blair Ramsey

Christiana Roussel

Kelsea Schafer

Chuck St John

Terry W. Wester

DESIGN

Sydney Allen

Jamie Dawkins

Rowan Futrell

Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING

Kelsey Alexander

Noah Brakefield

Evann Campbell

Octavia Campbell

Rachel Henderson

Rhett McCreight

Viridiana Romero

ADMINISTRATION

Mary Jo Eskridge

Alec Etheredge

Stacey Meadows

Lauren Morris

Kayla Reeves

Leslie Reeves

Brittany Schofield

Lindsay Dyess, Writer

Lindsay Dyess is the Arts Education Director and Business Manager for the Shelby County Arts Council. She originally started as a volunteer in 2013 and was hired full-time in 2019. Lindsay oversees all of the arts and music education classes, co-curates gallery exhibits and supports the dayto-day business of the non-profit. As a visual artist by trade, Lindsay enjoys teaching children and adult classes, such as printmaking and punch needle fiber arts, in her spare time.

Blair Ramsey, Photographer

Blair is a Vestavia Hills-based photographer whose company, Southern Intrigue Photography, specializes in sports action, portrait and commercial images. Blair has two sons, Cooper and Cameron, who have both had the privilege of being Auburn cheerleaders. Blair’s work can be found at southernintriguephotography.com, on Instagram @southernintriguephotography and Facebook @southernintrigue.

Christiana Roussel, Writer

Christiana Roussel is a Birmingham-based, award-winning food, travel and lifestyle writer. Naturally curious, she relishes any opportunity to meet new people and explore new places. She is a proud member of the Birmingham chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier as well as the Industry Advisory Board of Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. Her other interests include bourbon, bacon, a great wardrobe capsule, upland hunting, pork rinds, pilates and power walks that include four-leaf clovers and feathers. Follow her online at @christiana.roussel.

Kelsea Schafer, Photographer

Kelsea is a student at Hoover High School. She lives in Hoover with her family and two dogs, Fendi and Riley. When not in class, she is behind the camera, shooting sports, events or senior portraits wherever possible while running Kelsea Schafer Photography. During her free time, she is often at Lewis Smith Lake, enjoying all things sun, boating and wake surfing with her family and friends.

Shelby Living Magazine is published bi-monthly by Shelby County Newsmedia Inc., P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051. Shelby Living Magazine is a registered trademark. All contents herein are the sole property of Shelby County Newsmedia Inc. [the Publisher]. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. Please address all correspondence (including but not limited to letters, story ideas and requests to reprint materials) to: Editor, Shelby Living Magazine , P.O. Box 947, Columbiana, AL 35051.

Shelby Living Magazine is mailed to select households throughout Shelby County, and a limited number of free copies are available at local businesses. Please visit ShelbyLiving.com for a list of those locations. Subscriptions are available at a rate of $14.95 plus tax for one year by visiting ShelbyLiving.com or calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 532.

Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing advertise@ShelbyLiving.com, or by calling (205) 669-3131, ext. 536.

THE COVER

FFrom writing about a short film riddled with Freemason conspiracies to a therapeutic horseback riding program, I thoroughly enjoyed creating this issue for you all, readers. As I was interviewing each subject, I marveled at how several stories were so different.

One commonality I noticed is that those who were dealt a rough hand played it to their advantage, giving thanks to their “villages” along the way. Terry W. Wester, a renounced Freemason, spent 15 years serving the Shelby County community through his fraternity (read his story on page 13).

He helped raise significant funds for the Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation, which assists students with dyslexia in local schools. After a difference in beliefs, he left the organization and never looked back.

Instead, he created a short film inspired by his experiences, employing numerous individuals across the Southeast–the majority of whom live here in state. Not only is his creative expression a jawdropping production that will have you on the edge of your seat, but he is also employing more than 40 different people, publicizing their talents to the world.

Cheryl Patton and Rachel Phillips, the founders of Meri Moon, both were not where they wanted to be in life when they met (page 31). Cheryl had to close her business of 16 years shortly before meeting Rachel, who at the time of their introduction was navigating life as a single mother.

Through a little bit of elbow grease, they created one of the most popular coffee shops in Shelby County, and it’s only been open for eight months as of press time. Down in Pelham on Indian Springs Schools’ campus, Special Equestrians is celebrating its 40th anniversary (page 47).

Riders who come to Special Equestrians all have different challenges they face. Lizzy Litton, 40, has Down syndrome and has experienced some discrimination in life.

People may never know just how capable she is until they see her on Houston–her favorite horse in the barn. She can ride without assistance on a horse nearly 10 times her size.

I often struggle with negative thinking, and yet, hearing these inspiring tales reminded me that if one can dream it, he can do it. My hope for you all is that you take away something from each of these stories because sometimes, all it takes to change your life is the encouragement that you control the hand you play.

Dream big, readers,

Of Hearts & Hooves

Special Equestrians is transforming the lives of individuals with special needs.

Photo by Kelsea Schafer Design by Connor Martin-Lively

” “THE QUESTION

Who has the best pizza in Shelby County?

Uncle G’s Pizza

-David Tutor

Joe’s Italian

-Kathy and Johnny Belser

Capella Pizzeria -Cindy Sharpe Kilgore

Area 41 and Slice

-Penny Wildman Miller

Primo’s Pizza and Pasta -Brenda Sims Patterson

Pizza Star

-Todd George

All Original Pizzeria Helena -Whit Price

Bertolone’s

-Maryann Johnson Aycock

@shelbylivingmagazine

Tag us in your Shelby County photos on Instagram, and we’ll pick our favorites to regram and publish on this page in each issue.

@mavenhairco

It’s true if you work alongside someone enough you start thinking like them and dressing like them!

@hairby.sydneyk & @hairbyhaleydraper y’all are the epitome of twinsies!

@jeffstatecollege

Learn more about Jefferson State’s free, 8-week customer service training program!

Program begins April 1, 2025. Apply at www.jeffersonstate.edu/ customerservice today!

@douglasmanor

A wedding venue that’s made for these moments: the bride, her bridesmaids, and the endless love! Abbie and her girls were a vision! Simply stunning! #TimelessMemories

@slicemontevallo

Begin the weekend right here with @wearewolvesbham and plenty of LIVE music at Slice Montevallo! Enjoy extended #happyhour, along with plenty of food, drinks, & good times! Happy FriYAY, come join us beginning at 6pm! @slicemontevallo!

When two leading healthcare systems come together, extraordinary things happen. As Baptist Health Shelby Hospital — now strengthened by award-winning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you expert medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com/ShelbyHospital

OAK MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR

MARCH 21-23, 26-30 AND APRIL 2-6

VARIOUS TIMES

Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

Everyone’s favorite fair returns to Oak Mountain this spring! Parents, bring your kids and come enjoy carnival rides, games, attractions, food vendors and more. There is something for everyone at this event! Parking is free, and kids of heights 35 inches and under get in free. Learn more at oakmountainstatefair.com.

THE GUIDE

MARCH 15

Boots & Black Tie Gala

6 P.M. Windwood Equestrian

4848 County Road 11

Join the friends of Special Equestrians for this annual fundraiser! (Boots and cocktail attire are encouraged). There will be a plated dinner, a silent auction, live music and even special performances by the riders of Special Equestrians! Visit specialequest.org/ boots-and-black-tie-gala to learn more and purchase tickets.

MARCH 15

Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day

9 A.M. Veterans Park

4800 Valleydale Road

Back and benefiting Jefferson State Community College (JSCC) scholarships, the Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K and Family Fun Day will feature inflatables, food vendors, a DJ, face painting and more. The race is held in honor of JSCC’s former president Dr. Judy M. Merritt, who served as the college’s president for 35 years and was also the first female president of an Alabama college. For more information and to register, visit jeffersonstate.edu/5k.

AROUND TOWN

THROUGH MARCH 22

The Festival of Tulips American Village

THROUGH MARCH 29

Ramadan

MARCH 8

Publix Village2Village 10K/7.5K

The Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook 2525 Lane Park Road

MARCH 8

Backyard Book Fest Presented by The Parnell Library Orr Park

MARCH 8

Oak Mountain Color Run Oak Mountain State Park

MARCH 9

Sean of the South & Friends Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

MARCH 13

Taste of Homewood SoHo Square Plaza

MARCH 14

An Evening with Taylor Hicks Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

MARCH 15

The Bell Center 5K 1700 29th Court South

MARCH 15

Tour de Brewers XXII – St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Tin Roof Birmingham 2709 7th Avenue South

MARCH 22

The Rumpshaker 5K Regions Field 1401 1st Avenue South

MARCH 25-30

“Les Misérables” Presented by Broadway in Birmingham BJCC Concert Hall

APRIL 4

Major Dudes: A Tribute to Steely Dan

Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

APRIL 5

JJ Grey & Mofro

Presented by Helena Old Town Live

Helena Amphitheater

APRIL 5

Paul Thorn

Presented by Helena Old Town Live

Helena Amphitheater

APRIL 5

Mt Laurel Spring Festival Mt Laurel

APRIL 12

Hop ‘n Shop Downtown Homewood

APRIL 12-20 Passover

APRIL 13

Paws in the Park Pelham City Park

APRIL 18

Master Keys with Byron Thomas Presented by the Shelby County Arts Council

APRIL 19

Easter Eggspress Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

APRIL 19

Easter Egg Roll

The O’Neal Library

APRIL 20 Easter

APRIL 21

The Legacy Classic

Benefiting The Amanda Pair Foundation

The Founders Course at Greystone Golf & Country Club

MARCH 15

Spring Market

9 A.M.-3 P.M.

Helena High School

Brought to patrons by the Helena High School band, this spring market fundraiser will feature boutique clothing, home decor items, jewelry, baked goods, food trucks and more! Admission is $2 per person. Follow Helena Spring Market on Facebook for more details.

APRIL 26

Celebrate Hoover Day

11 A.M.-3 P.M.

Veterans Park

4800 Valleydale Road

This annual event draws more than 10,000 residents each year and is expected to grow this year! Celebrate Hoover Day will feature live music, a kids’ zone, family-friendly games and activities, vendor booths, a car show, inflatables and more. Children can even look forward to a petting zoo and pony rides! Find more details at hooveral.org/366/Celebrate-Hoover-Day.

APRIL 15

A Very Special Easter Egg Hunt

5:30-7 P.M.

Pelham City Park Football Field

Returning this spring, A Very Special Easter Egg Hunt will provide families of children with special needs a safe, relaxing opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs and enjoy the season’s festivities with the community. Attendees can also look forward to familyfriendly games and activities and more. Whether visiting up close or from a distance, families are invited to get their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, too. Find more details at pelhamalabama.gov/852/special-events.

Beauty blossoms here.

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT

SCULPTLIFT

RHINOPLASTY

SKIN RESURFACING

EYELID SURGERY

FACIAL IMPLANTS

BOTOX & FILLER

LIP AUGMENTATION

HAIR TRANSPLANTS

NEOGRAFT

MEDISPA

ARTS CULTURE&

FRATERNAL LIGHT

From operative to speculative, “Broken Ashler” sheds light on the conspiracies riddling Freemasonry.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY TRINITY CORNETT, NICOLE MITCHEM, CHUCK ST JOHN & TERRY WESTER

AAll it takes to make a difference in this dark world is one voice brave enough to share his light.

Renounced Freemason Terry W. Wester, along with fellow film creators Kevin Wayne, Matthew Wester and Robert McDonald, held the one-nightonly premiere of their short film, “Broken Ashler,” on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Shelby County Arts Council in Columbiana, Alabama. Set in modernday Alabama, “Broken Ashler” is a 43-minute film concept to pitch a three-season TV show of the same name.

The plot line involves greed, lust, betrayal and more—the overall battle each man fights when walking the “straight and narrow” in a fallen world controlled by a corrupt fraternity. Though entirely fictional, the film is inspired by Terry’s own experiences.

“I was a 33rd Degree and the Deputy of the Scottish Rite in Alabama,” he says. “I served on

committees with the Grand Lodge of Alabama.”

Then a Freemason of 15 years, Terry organized volunteer efforts within his community and fundraised for numerous local charities. Notably, he fundraised for the Alabama Scottish Rite Foundation, which provides services to identify and aid students with dyslexia.

In May 2024, he made his exodus from the organization due to a difference in opinion with the Grand Lodge of Alabama. Around that time, he and Kevin were working on a documentary of the history of Freemasonry called “Order out of Chaos.”

Both Calera residents, Terry and Kevin’s paths first crossed at Terry’s cigar shop, Trussville Cigar Company. A mutual friend of theirs–legendary Alabama radio personality “Dollar” Bill Lawson–brought Kevin to sample some cigars, serendipitously introducing them.

“We were working on the documentary [Order

Pictured from left to right are Creek Wilson, Chaney Morrow, Joe Cook, Terry W. Wester, Kevin Wayne, Erik Baker, Tremayne Blair, Frank Paris and Brandon O'Hanley.

out of Chaos], and a couple of weeks later, Terry sent me an outline of what would be the teasers of ‘Broken Ashler,’” Kevin says. “He’s like, ‘What do you think?’ I was like, ‘Let’s go! This is incredible. This would be great for TV.’”

By August 2024, Terry and Kevin were already in production for “Broken Ashler.” Instead of shooting one or two scenes, they decided to shoot this short film to pique interest amongst potential distributors.

The two partnered with Matthew and Robert, sourcing some of the finest in the film industry throughout the Southeast for their project. Nearly 85 percent of the cast and crew is from Alabama, and impressively, 100 percent of scenes were shot here in the state as well.

Although the short film is not available for streaming, Terry and Kevin do plan to enter it in film festivals this year.

“This is a combo of ‘Shameless,’ ‘Breaking Bad,’ ‘Sopranos’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’ mixed into one show,” Kevin says.

The film opens with a Masonic-inspired ritual performed by Master Mason John Trent–the character Terry plays. Blindfolded, quivering Randy Craine (Chaney Morrow) is asked to kneel before the brethren and kiss the sacred text.

Three dark hooded figures in masks appear, alluding to the ever-growing eerie atmosphere engulfing the blacked-out room. As the film progresses, these three “ruffians,” played by Joe Cook, Erik Baker and Creek Wilson, take Randy under their wing, pretending to uphold the outstanding moral code each Freemason abides by oath.

Only one of Randy’s friends Raymond Washington (Tremayne Blair) challenges Randy’s unwavering

loyalty to this more sinister than sincere brotherhood.

“‘Broken Ashler’ is a world where conspiracy theory and reality meet, and sometimes, reality is worse,” Terry says, later adding, “in the TV show, we’re going to explore the demographics between race, sexual orientation, fraternal bonds, brotherhood, brothers lying to each other with one overlying theme of ‘What would it take for you to want to kill one of your brothers, somebody that you spent a lot of time with? What has to happen to drive you to that point?’”

Terry says he loved serving as a Freemason. Some of his best friends are his former “brothers.”

Yet, he witnessed wickedness in the flesh, hiding behind its own deceit. As a true Freemason, Terry defended the truth and upheld his own honor, even when it cost him his fraternity.

“Freemasonry is not inherently bad, but just like the premise of the show, there are some bad apples,” he says.

According to “Freemasons for Dummies,” by Christopher Hodapp, Past Master, Knight Templar, the origins of

Behind the Scenes

uTerry Wester, Executive Producer/Co-Writer

uKevin Wayne, Producer/Director

uMatthew Wester, Producer/Investor

uRobert McDonald, Co-Writer

uVanessa Wester, Production Assistant

uAngie Soule, UPM

uDerek Boyd, D.P./Gaffer/Light Truck

uTrinity Cornett, Social Media Manager

uDavid Gentry, Storyboard/Grip/Logo/Poster Creator/BTS

uJeremy Cornett, PA

uSteven Wilson, On Set Audio Tech

uBernadette Chapman, Script Supervisor/Continuity

uLinda Thacker, Makeup Artist

uDanielle Bowman, 1st AD

uMadison Bowman, 2nd AD

uLauren Foster, Craft Service

uKelly Griggs Wilson, Hair Stylist

uCatherine Beaton, Props/Set Deco

uWes Verzwyvelt, Grip

uCody Willis, PA 1

uWilliam Geiger, PA 2

uSyndnee Moore, PA 3

uAmanda Cook, Wardrobe

uJake Ferrier, 1st AC

uBen Swearingen, 2nd AC

uNicole Mitchem, BTS Photographer

uHassel Kromer, Picture Car Supervisor

uMaximos Tatum, Editor/TOS/D.I.T.

uSam LaFlamme, Composer

uD.C. Douglas, V.O. Actor

uTroy Clayton, Stunt/Fight Coordinator

uKatelyn Foxworth, Makeup & FX Makeup Artist

uJay Galloway, A.C.

uBrennan Martignoni, Color Grade Artist

Freemasonry are heavily debated; yet, historians consider either the mythical theory or the historical theory as evidence pointing to the birthplace of this organization.

Dating back to around 1000 B.C., the mythical theory suggests Freemasonry began when the Temple of King Solomon was created. Then considered man’s most extravagant tribute to God, the Temple of King Solomon housed the Sanctum Sanctorum–the resting place for the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments. However, the historical theory is more widely accepted, suggesting origins from the stonemason

guilds in Europe during the Medieval period. The physical craft of stoneworking, known as Operative Masonry, became one of the most selective trades of the age.

Stonemasons were highly skilled craftsmen who were educated in math, science, architecture, religion and literature but were often still considered peasants by birth. They knew building secrets nobody else did at the time–they knew how to design and create ginormous gothic cathedrals and castles out of unassuming mountains of stone.

To keep leverage in the workforce and earn respect from their nobles, stonemasons never

divulged their secrets, meaning they never printed nor wrote them down. Their knowledge was imparted on generations of laborers by word of mouth only.

As the Renaissance swept Europe, so did the demand for stonemasons and their talents. By 1600, however, gothic architecture became outdated, and the general population became more and more educated.

Thus, stonemasons faced a crisis. Guilds began recruiting scholars and nobles–anyone who coveted the stonemasons’ wealth of philosophy and ethical principles.

Operative Masonry soon gave way to Speculative Masonry–a fraternity of stonemasons and nonworking “brothers” bonded by moral enlightenment. The first-ever recorded Freemasons’ group was the Grand Lodge of England in London, which formed in 1717.

“Instead of making stones perfect, it [became]

this organization of men that would make good men perfect,” Terry says.

Freemasonry later made the trek to the Americas in the early days of the 13 Colonies. Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, including President George Washington, were Freemasons.

Of all the presidents of the United States, 14 were Freemasons as well. The Masonic Service Association of North America (MSANA) reports that Freemasonry enrollment in the U.S. was at its peak in the mid-to-late 1950s and early 1960s.

As of 2023, the MSANA states that 869,429 Americans were Freemasons. Today, Terry says Freemasons are everywhere–on Wall Street, in Hollywood, in the Capitol, in the medical field, in local schools and churches and more.

There are many wonderful members who are actively working to make the world a better place. One of the best examples, he says, are the

Freemasons who fund Shriners Hospitals for Children, which is a group of hospitals most known for effectively treating children with severe, lifethreatening injuries.

However, Terry says there are also those who abuse their power, making moves in silence. He challenges readers not to allow themselves to be “blindfolded by society,” naively accepting the so-

called truths pivotal figures often feed to them.

“One of the taglines for Freemasonry is ‘making good men better,’” he says. “That’s something Freemasons like to say a lot. They like to ‘make good men better.’ That line does not say, ‘Freemasons make men better.’ They take good men and make them better. Because if you’re not a good man, you’re not supposed to be allowed to enter.”

Terry hopes “Broken Ashler” encourages audiences to seek out truth in the web of lies spun by some of society’s most influential figureheads. If one seeks out evil, he will find it, he says.

On the other hand, if he searches for the good in men, he will find it, too.

“The truth to anything in life is recognizing the fault and then making it better,” he says. “Where you have problems is you find the fault, and you continue carrying on with the fault.”

Like a light in the darkest of times, truth, in the heart of the righteous, will always prevail. Thanks to Terry Wester’s courage, this light is catching fire across the U.S., spurring the wake of justice.

To learn more about the “Broken Ashler” series, visit linktr.ee/brokenashlerllc.

SPRINGING INTO ACTION

It might be slowly warming up outside, but the Song Theater is on fire with great performances back-to-back this season.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY LINDSAY DYESS

There’s always quality entertainment in your own backyard in Shelby County! The SCAC kicked off the month of March with a successful Mardi Gras gala fundraiser in the Grande Hall. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this wonderful event. Proceeds from this event benefited the community outreach programs the Shelby County Arts Council offers and supported ongoing operations. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Opening in the EBSCO Fine Art Gallery on March 17 will be the annual Statewide High School Juried Art Exhibit. Each year, 10th-12th graders from across the state of Alabama enter their artwork into this free art competition. This art competition is supported by UAB’s Department of Art and Art History and the University of Montevallo’s Department of Art. This art competition gives high school students the chance to compete in a professional level art competition at no cost to the students, teachers or schools. Stop by and check out these amazing works of art for yourself in the gallery. The gallery hours are MondayThursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us on Sunday, April 27 for the closing gallery reception and award ceremony of the Statewide High School Juried Art Exhibit. This event is free and open to the public.

If you are looking to get your music fix, be sure to join us in the Song Theater on April 18 for master pianist Byron Thomas’ performance of “Master Keys II.” This show is a salute to great contemporary jazz artists such as Joe Sample, Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis, with a few of Byron’s original works. Byron has spent the last several years as a piano instructor for the Shelby County Arts Council as well as making a name for himself in the Alabama music community. If you’re a fan of jazz, this is a show you can’t miss! Byron also hints at a few surprises during the event. Purchase tickets to this event at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Be sure to purchase tickets to other great events

coming to the Song Theater: Sean of the South, Sunday, March 9; Taylor Hicks, Friday, March 14; Major Dudes: Steely Dan tribute, April 4; and Columbiana’s own Micha Swain in the band from Samford University, Lakeshore Band, April 13.

Tickets to all of these events can be purchased at shelbycounthyartscouncil.com or by calling 205669-0044.

Don’t forget, the SCAC also offers a variety of visual arts and music classes for all ages. Creativity for all happens here! Sign up for a class today! Visit our website for our upcoming class schedules. Be sure to follow us on Instagram (@shelby_county_ arts) and on Facebook.

THIS BOOK

Heroines on the Shelves

Recommendations from Lynn

Thomas

Paralibrarian at the Chelsea Public Library

The Henna Artist

By Alka Joshi | Fiction

Lynn Thomas has been a part of the Chelsea Public Library staff since 2019. Her favorite thing about working at the library is facilitating the book club, which she has done since joining the library staff. Her favorite genre to read is literary fiction because it is strongly character driven and explores themes and commentary about life and the human condition. Here are a few of her recent favorites.

“The Henna Artist” is a story that transports. Lakshmi is a self-made woman whose henna painting skills and knowledge of herbal healing are in great demand among the rich and powerful of post-British Raj India. She knows their secrets, but guards hers carefully, until her past comes calling. Torn between pursuing her hardfought dreams and sacrificing everything for what truly matters, Lakshmi’s journey to her true calling is one you’ll be glad you’ve begun.

The Nature of Fragile Things

By Susan Meissner | Fiction

Set against the historical backdrop of the 1906 earthquake and devastating fire in San Francisco, California, “The Nature of Fragile Things” is a story of rebirth. Sophie, a young Irish woman desperate to escape poverty and despair, answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride. Exploring themes of survival, deception and moral ambiguity in the face of desperate circumstances, this book celebrates friendship among women, tenacity of spirit and hope in second chances.

Very Very Lucky

By Amanda Prowse | Fiction

Emma’s juggling act of caring for her family has her at the end of her rope and in serious need of a nap. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t intend to take it on a display bed in the middle of the local Ikea store. With the help of her wise friend, Thurston, Emma embarks on a sometimes messy, often humorous, but always hopeful quest to let go of the temporary and fiercely hold on to the people who matter most.

Absolution

By Alice McDermott | Fiction

Fans of Kristen Hannah’s “The Women” will be intrigued by this story of the lives of a group of young officers’ wives stationed in Saigon during the Vietnam War. It follows the lives of two of the women: Irreverent, dramatic Charlene, and eager-to-fit-in Patricia. Their friendship is unlikely; yet, their strengths become the antidote for each other’s frailties as they try to make a difference in the lives of people who got caught in the atrocities of war.

The Frozen River

By Ariel Lawhon | Fiction

“The Frozen River” is inspired by the story of the real Martha Ballard, who kept a diary of her experiences as she served as mid-wife in the Kennebec River area in the 18th century. Much of the book’s main plots are fictionalized, but it is conceivable that the real Martha Ballard might have encountered situations similar to those described in the book. When a murdered man’s body is found frozen in the river, Martha, who is also the town healer, determines that the man, a prominent member of the community, had been involved in the rape of a young pastor’s wife. Martha is a woman ahead of her time as she seeks to right the wrongs that have been done while giving the women in her care a powerful voice for change.

SCHOOL SPORTS&

INSTILLING GREATNESS

Rylee Holt is named Shelby County Schools’ High School Teacher of the Year.

ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

TTeachers are often the first architects of their students’ self-confidence. With every lesson, they enable students to write into fruition their hopes and dreams.

Good teachers value the weight their words carry, and they impart them so delicately in the hearts of such moldable young souls. Montevallo High School (MHS) English and language arts (ELA) teacher Rylee Holt does not take this power lightly.

On Sept. 13, 2024, MHS named Rylee its “Teacher of the Year.”

“It means the world to me because it just means that other people are seeing where my heart is,” she says. “They see that my heart is in what I do. It’s nice to know that’s recognized.”

A Montgomery native, Rylee first moved to Shelby County to attend the University of Montevallo (UM), double-majoring in English and political science. She then received her master’s degree in secondary education with a focus in English from UM before earning a teaching position at MHS.

Through mutual friends, Rylee became connected with Beth House. Beth teaches ELA at MHS and encouraged her to apply for a vacant teaching position.

She started teaching during her last semester of graduate school and fell in love with the profession after her first day.

“It doesn’t matter how much you love your content or what you teach,” Rylee says. “It matters that you love kids.”

As a new teacher, Rylee says she focused on building intentional relationships with her students. Not only did she learn their parents’ names, but she learned their grandparents’ and siblings’ names, too.

Every morning when her students enter her classroom, she makes sure to smile and welcomes each one personally. Starting off each class period with a warm greeting sets the tone for the rest of the lesson.

“I get to be, for some of them, the first person to

tell them good morning,” Rylee says. “Some of my students are coming from homes, where no one has said anything to them in the morning. I get to be that happy face to greet them, and I get to help try to make their day a little bit better.”

Rylee challenges herself each day to make each of her students feel loved. The best teacher, she says, is the one whose students know just how cherished they are.

This mindset is reaffirmed through the material taught in the classroom. Rylee’s favorite unit she teaches all year is poetry, and she laughs every year as her students inevitably grumble, complaining about how boring they think it will be.

One poem Rylee teaches each year is Langston Hughes’ “I, Too,” which is told from an African American man’s perspective, not being able to sit at the table when company comes.

Rylee has her students write their own renditions of “I, Too,” forcing them to verbalize and confront

the injustices in their own lives. This practice involves students coming up with their own call to action–their own promise on paper to themselves that they can and will change the world around them for good.

Thoughts turn into words, and words turn into action, she says. The first step to igniting a cultural revolution is to write the idea down.

“I feel so invested in [them],” Rylee says, later adding, “a lot of my students aren’t just firstgeneration college goers, but they’re first-generation high school graduates. They are paving the way and doing something that has never happened at their house.”

Rylee has had students write poems, saying they will be the first person in their family to receive a high school diploma. She has noticed those same students walk a little taller and smile a little larger after this unit each year.

She believes that often, all these students need is

to hear that someone believes in them.

Rylee’s “take it to the grave” book is “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. She jokes that if ever schools say she cannot teach this novel, then she can no longer be a teacher.

“A Thousand Splendid Suns” tells the story of two women living in Afghanistan pre 9/11. The chapters are told in alternating timelines, and towards the end of the novel, readers marvel at how the characters’ fates intertwine.

The overarching theme of the novel is endurance. While it does not end happily for one character, she is able to impart this wisdom to her loved one–giving her the strength to escape.

Montevallo is a quaint, generational town, Rylee says. Her students will hopefully never experience the horrors they read about in this novel; yet, they are never as emotionally vulnerable as when reading this book.

“For them to be able to relate to people that they previously thought were so different from them is so great,” Rylee says. “It’s just the best experience. That is a book that I feel builds up their empathy muscles. It teaches them different hardships that people face around the world.”

Reading about empathy and compassion provides the foundation for students’ morality, she says. They judge their decision-making based on their own morals–the lens through which they perceive reality.

According to Langston Hughes and Khaled Hosseini, to usher in equality or peace, one must first vocalize these needs. Before that, however, he must hold steadfast to his beliefs.

Words transcend generations, inspiring hope in those who need it most. Rylee believes these future poets and authors–these trendsetters–are born in the classroom, and it is her responsibility to nurture their greatness.

In the little moments and major milestones of childhood, we are here for our patients and their families – helping, healing, teaching and discovering.

“She is one of the most thoughtful, caring teachers I’ve ever been around. She genuinely cares and goes out of her way for her students. They are the number-one priority to her.

-Garrett Langer, Montevallo High School Biology Teacher

Shelby County Schools hosted its annual awards ceremony on Dec. 12, 2024, honoring all of the school system’s nominees. Representing MHS, Rylee was elated to be chosen as Shelby County Schools’ High School Teacher of the Year.

In a video interview with Shelby County Schools, Beth spoke of her pride over Rylee winning this award.

“I cannot think of anybody more deserving,” she

says of Rylee. “You truly do pour all of your energy and time into your students here at Montevallo, and we appreciate you, and we love you for that.”

Looking forward, Rylee vows to continue prioritizing her students, instilling in them the knowledge that they are loved and they possess the willpower to achieve their goals. If at the end of the day, that’s all her students know, she says she will have accomplished her most important job.

We want the early learning years to be an experience that truly delights both parents and their children. We commit to pursuing excellence in all areas so that the years spent with us are an investment in the child’s future. Our desire to continually set standards and exceed expectations sets the stage for a childcare experience that families are excited to be a part of!

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Michael Craycraft

Thompson High School Bowling Coach

PHOTO BY KAREN MCNUTT

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Bowlero Lanes Bowling Center in Mobile, Alabama, the Thompson High School girls bowling team won their first state championship in school history, defeating Hoover High School in the class 6A/7A championship. Here, coach Michael Craycraft shares his sentiments about the road to victory.

What strategies, disciplines or mindsets did you implement to build a winning team?

The kids on the varsity team have a bowling class during seventh period. During this class period, we worked a lot on developing the kids’ knowledge of the game. We discussed lane patterns, bowling ball construction, ball layouts and more. We also implemented a conditioning program that targeted endurance, legs and core strength. We found that our kids were able to endure the grind better in the longer tournaments than other teams. Our mindset was always “together.” We worked a lot on the “we” instead of “me” aspect in teamwork.

What would you like to say of your players for accomplishing this exciting feat?

Our players worked extremely hard to achieve this. We began the journey in

August when school started and never looked back. Many of our kids bowl on Saturday mornings with youth leagues and compete in youth tournaments in Alabama and Georgia. Getting that experience has really helped our program reach our team goals. They really deserve this as they all sacrificed a lot to get it.

How might the team’s attitude or work ethic have improved to help them win this championship?

They believed in themselves and the team as a whole. I think they believed in our coaching staff, too. We have some top-notch coaches who know the game. I believe this helped them be eager to learn more and work even harder.

What is the most rewarding aspect of coaching girls bowling at Thompson High School?

Seeing the growth and maturity of the kids as they go through our program, watching them literally transform from

one year to another is really cool. Bowling provides kids a sport that is different from the mainstream sports such as baseball, football, basketball. We are truly blessed at Thompson to be able to offer so many options. There are a lot of colleges out there that have bowling programs and offer scholarships. High school bowling offers kids a way to get a discount on their education. To see my student-athletes compete at the next level and know I had a small part in their journeys is very rewarding.

What was your most favorite memory from the championship?

The emotions that were released after the last shot was thrown was incredible. It was wonderful to see the tears of joy and the relief that they finally achieved their goal of getting the Blue Map. The hugs and love that was expressed in that moment was unbelievable. We all wanted it so much and to finally get it was so gratifying. It was truly amazing.

FOOD DRINK&

RISE & GRIND

Meri Moon in Montevallo is fostering fellowship within the community.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY KELSEA SCHAFER

TTrue fellowship is cultivated in the heart of community. For Cheryl Patton and Rachel Phillips, they found friendship in each other and their place in Montevallo after life dealt them each their fair share of wildcards.

A native of Dallas, Cheryl traveled all across the country helping those less fortunate. For years, she worked as a social worker from assisting the nomadic community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to working with patients in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s community psychiatry program. She first made the trek to the Yellowhammer State when her husband became a philosophy professor at the University of Montevallo. Commuting more than 30 miles one way proved to be taxing, and Cheryl decided to pull a “180” and look for business opportunities in Montevallo.

“It was hard to work full-time in Birmingham and then still have a life here in Montevallo,” she says. “I really was trying to look for something I could do, so I could be a part of this community.”

Although never having worked in the food industry, she took a leap of faith and opened Eclipse Coffee and Books on Main Street, sparking what would be a successful 16-year venture for her. The niche “watering hole” became a community hub as people from all different walks of life could gather together in a safe haven and bond over beverages and books.

“That is the enduring legacy of Eclipse,” Cheryl says, proudly.

She believes not every good thing must come to an end, but sometimes, life deals a rough hand to play. Cheryl sadly closed the coffee shop on July 27,

2017.

On the other side of the state, Rachel was navigating life as a single mother of three, trying to support her family. An Oak Mountain High School graduate, Rachel has roots deep in Shelby County and always knew this community felt like home.

After attending college for a year, Rachel was blessed with her first-born child and moved to Daphne to get married and raise her growing family. While there, she opened Meri May, which was an online clothing boutique.

Although her marriage did not work out, Rachel braved every challenge thrown her way with her head held high. She sold her business and moved with her children to Montevallo to be closer to family.

Though life was not without its trials, Rachel says she learned a lesson from each experience–one being to appreciate the people God brings into your life.

Jeff and Misty Webster, co-founders of Main

Barista’s Picks

Try out these items the next time you swing by Meri Moon:

1. Caramel Crème Latte

2. Grinch Toast

3. Mexican Mocha

4. Huevos Rancheros

5. Oreo Milk Shake

6. Southern Board

Street Tavern, met Rachel who was dining at their restaurant one night. After hearing her story, they invited her to work for them at the tavern.

Rachel spent just over four years there learning the ins and outs of the business from waiting tables to bartending to managing the restaurant. She feels so thankful for that experience as it later enabled her to tackle entrepreneurship once again.

She later assumed the position of bar manager at Indigo Cafe and Bar, and as fate would have it, her and Cheryl’s paths crossed one day.

“I knew her as a customer,” Rachel says. “I had no idea she owned Eclipse Coffee and Books, which was closed at the time. She was like, ‘You need to open a coffee shop.’ I was like, ‘What are you thinking?’ I turned around, and my co-manager was like, ‘Do you know who that is?’”

After some persuasion, Cheryl convinced Rachel to go into business with her–the coffee business–and open up their own cafe. The result? Meri Moon–whose name pays tribute to both of their

former businesses.

Now open in the former Strand Theater, Meri Moon is a quaint coffee shop and eatery that officially opened for business on July 2, 2024–nearly seven years to the day that Eclipse closed. Looking around, customers will notice the exposed brick and rustic wood elements really elevate the homey atmosphere engulfing the coffee shop.

“I couldn’t imagine going into a generic space. I have to be inspired,” Cheryl says, later adding, “the space exposes the history here, and it’s beautiful.”

The Strand building was home to two other coffee shops before Meri Moon, so opening up shop in the recently renovated space seemed like the perfect card to play, she says. The menu sports a plethora of hand-selected items such as the specialty coffees including cappuccinos, cold brews, cortados and lattes, but teas, smoothies and milkshakes are options, too.

Some of the menu items are made-from-scratch, including the soups which are made fresh daily.

“The Cereal Milk Latte is my favorite right now,”

Rachel says. “It’s a syrup we have, and it tastes like the milk that’s in the bottom of a cereal bowl.”

Although the business has been open less than a year, it has become renowned for its eclectic combinations. One fan-favorite pairs the Mexican Mocha with the huevos rancheros.

Another breakfast item in high demand is the Grinch Toast, featuring slices of avocado layered over wheatberry toast and drizzled with Everything Bagel seasoning. Cheryl says one would be remiss not to try the Meri Waffle, which is a mini waffle topped with bananas and Medders Family Farm’s chocolate peanut butter concoction.

“The most unique thing we’ve done is the milkshakes,” Cheryl says. “My favorite milkshake is the Pecan Pie, which is seasonal. We take an entire piece of pecan pie and throw it in the blender. The other thing about our milkshakes is we don’t ice them down. We don’t water them down. They have lots and lots of ice cream and lots and lots of flavor.”

Though initially popular for eclectic coffees and milkshakes, Meri Moon has now become all the

rave for its monthly wine tastings. Customers wanting to attend can purchase a Meri Moon charcuterie board, which ranges in price from $10$15.

During the tastings, Meri Moon will offer handmade selections of finger foods, and customers are welcome to purchase their favorite bottles of wine from the event. No matter if it’s 9 a.m. on a weekday morning or late in the afternoon during a wine tasting, people, no matter their differences, can be seen enjoying the company of each other at Meri Moon with a cup of Joe in their hands.

“We want everyone to feel comfortable and find a spot here,” Rachel says, later adding, “I love seeing people come together.”

Truly, she feels the Montevallo community rallied around her, giving her family renewed hope. Especially with friends such as Cheryl, there’s no place quite like home than in Montevallo.

“I love this community, and I love being able to love on them because they have taken such great care of me over the past six years,” she says.

Looking forward, Cheryl and Rachel plan to expand the retail front of Meri Moon, offering

handpicked goods from other small businesses. For now, they’re just happy to have their business be so well-received and to be able to serve local patrons.

True fellowship, they say, is the ties that bind everyone together. Thanks to the Montevallo community, Meri Moon is thriving on camaraderie, contributing to its legacy of love.

Meri Moon is located at 618 Main Street in Montevallo. For hours and operation or to learn more information, follow Meri Moon on Facebook.

5 FIVE QUESTIONS FOR

Nour Rabai CEO & Founder of Pita Mediterranean Street Food

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Pita Mediterranean Street Food was founded in 2011 in Peachtree City, Georgia, with a vision to bring authentic Mediterranean flavors to the fast-casual dining scene. Founder Nour Rabai saw a gap in the market for high-quality, fresh and affordable Mediterranean food that was both convenient and true to its roots. What started as a single location has now grown into a thriving franchise with more than 35 restaurants across multiple states, including the business’ newest expansion into Walmart locations in the Southeast. Here, Nour details a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the cuisine.

What is your background in the food industry?

My passion for food started at a young age as I was inspired by the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. While I didn’t initially set out to open a restaurant, my love for hospitality and my desire to share authentic Mediterranean cuisine led me to take the leap. Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience in the restaurant industry, learning firsthand what it takes to create a successful concept that resonates with people.

How did you go about choosing what would be on the menu?

Our menu was carefully curated to reflect the flavors of Mediterranean street food while ensuring accessibility for all types of diners. We not only focused on traditional favorites such as shawarma,

gyros, falafel and hummus, but we also introduced options that cater to modern tastes, including rice bowls and wraps. Every dish was selected based on authenticity, quality and how well it represents the Mediterranean experience.

How are the ingredients authentic to Mediterranean cuisine?

We pride ourselves on using highquality, authentic ingredients that are staples in Mediterranean cooking. From our hand-marinated shawarma to freshly made hummus and tzatziki, everything is prepared using traditional recipes and cooking methods. Our meats are marinated with classic Mediterranean spices, and our pita bread is baked to perfection, ensuring that every bite delivers the rich, bold flavors that define this cuisine.

What is the best menu item, in your opinion, that one should order?

That’s a tough one! If I had to pick just one, I’d say our Steak Shawarma Pita is a must-try. It’s one of our most popular items, featuring perfectly marinated, slowroasted steak wrapped in warm pita with fresh toppings and house-made sauces. It truly embodies what Pita Mediterranean Street Food is all about.

Which are great options for newcomers?

For newcomers, I’d recommend starting with our Gyro Pita–our top seller–or the Chicken Shawarma Pita. They are classic Mediterranean street food staples and a great introduction to our flavors.

Pita Mediterranean Street Food is located at 21533 AL-25 in Columbiana. It is open Monday-Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit pitastreetfood.com.

HOME STYLE&

GREYSTONE BEAUTY

Greg and Traci Fox’s Greystone home is rich in beauty and blessings.

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

PHOTOS BY BLAIR RAMSEY

Face of the Home

This sprawling hillside manor was first built in 2000 and rests in the heart of Greystone Founders.

HHumble beginnings often yield some of the most appreciative people in life. While Greg nor Traci Fox grew up with much, they both say the Lord has given them everything they needed.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Traci moved to Empire, where she graduated from Dora High School. Life took a turn, and instead of going straight to college, Traci went into commercial and residential outside building sales and blueprint take-offs and worked her way up in the industry. With encouragement from her sister, she later attended Bevill State Community College for cosmetology school.

On the other side of the state, Greg grew up in Midfield, assisting his father in home remodeling and repairs. He later earned spot apprenticing for Carpenters Local 107 and soon after went into insurance claims. Through God’s divine planning, their paths crossed through work in 1990, and by ‘91, they tied the knot.

Now a blended family of five, Greg and Traci struggled to make ends meet, but they never lost faith in the Lord. Instead, they started giving more. They opened up their first business together, Tangles Salon & Tanning, in a tiny strip mall in Sumiton. They also began volunteering as children’s pastors at their church, where they learned of a

need for hair cuts and school supplies in the local school system. Greg and Traci hosted a “free haircut day” at Tangles, giving away backpacks to their clients to jumpstart the school year. What they didn’t realize was just how many children were in need. Greg says opening the salon that day, he saw lines of children and their families wrapped all the way around the building. Ever since that day, they have prioritized using their businesses to bless those less fortunate, even if they, themselves, did not have much to give.

In 2007, the couple moved to Riverchase, and in 2009, they opened their second salon, T.Fox SalonSpa off of Valleydale Road. Even while juggling their businesses and family lives, the Foxes still volunteered their time in church ministry, serving those in need. Then in 2013, Traci discovered a foreclosed home in Greystone Founders, which just so happened to be within their price range.

Having always wanted a beautiful home, Greg and Traci set off on their biggest project–flipping this aging estate–and spent nearly two years renovating. Now, their home serves as a site of fellowship for hundreds of people each year; yet, they don’t credit themselves for their success. Rather, they thank God for his provisions and will share their story with anyone who has time to listen.

Adorning the entryway table is a handmade bowl by Terry Shea, the founder of Wrapsody.

Ricocheting throughout the halls, the mellifluous charm of this Artesia piano engulfs the home in wondrous sound.

Foyer

This winding staircase connects the foyer to the second story, whose ceilings reach a height of 22 feet.

The handmade crown molding is one of the Fox home’s architectural marvels.

This handcrafted crystal chandelier is from Crystals Complete Estate Sales.

Dining Room

Growing up, Traci and her siblings did not have much money, so to afford Christmas presents for each other, they would buy $1 prizes for the winners of their annual “Christmas Bingo.” As the Lord continually blessed Traci over the years, she decided to keep the tradition alive, inviting first her extended family, then her friends, coworkers and more to her home each year for bingo. The tradition outgrew the dining room, and now, nearly 75 people come to play Christmas Bingo in her and Greg’s foyer each holiday season.

Kitchen

The kitchen once sported an autumn color palette with tawny cabinets, dark granite countertops and mixtures of hardwood and tiled flooring. Greg and Traci opted for a light and airy aesthetic rich in timeless design during their renovation.

Greg and Traci are celebrating 34 years of joyful union this year. This champagne bottle was gifted to them as a wedding present and now adorns the counters of their kitchen.

A part of the kitchen’s open concept, this nook provides an intimate space for entertaining guests.

The Foxes credit Antonio Mendez with Mendez Woodworks for his time and talents in creating their beautiful, handmade perimeter and island cabinets.

Office

Traci’s office has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with pictures of all of her loved ones, reminding her daily of her blessings.

Living Room

Natural light seeps in through the anterior windows, immersing the living room in such sweet solitude.

Behind the Scenes

uCustom Cabinetry: Antonio Mendez with Mendez Woodworks

uElectrical Services: Luke Watkins with Watkins Services

uFence Railing: Nelco Ornamental Iron

uFront Door: Keith Jones with Birmingham Art Glass

uGame Room’s Artwork: Jonathan Fox with Move Church

uHardwood Flooring: Dustin Cross with Cross Hardwood Flooring

uHVAC: Al Hipp with Hipp Heating and Cooling

uKitchen Lighting: Mayer Lighting

uKitchen Finishes: Brandino Brass

uInterior Design: Rylee Tucker

uPainting: Tony Gomez

uPlumbing: David Strickland with Strickland

Plumbing

uWindow Replacement: Van Holcombe with Holcombe Doors and Windows & Greg Fox

uRoof: Alabama Roofing

Master Bedroom

A spacious suite, the master bedroom’s marble fireplaces are original to the house’s build.

The master bedroom’s layered textiles are from White House Interiors.

Game Room

Greg and Traci created this exciting game room for their grandchildren, whose ages range from 2 to 14.

One of Greg and Traci’s family friends of 25 years, Richard Gray, used to own payphones. The Foxes were working as children’s pastors at the time and asked to borrow one for a church event to teach kids about Jesus. When Richard learned about Greg and Traci’s ministry, he donated the payphone to the cause.

Hobbies & Harleys

A connoisseur of all things cool, Greg’s 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe is in excellent condition. He and Traci like to take it out for a spin on sunny days.

OF HEARTS

& HOOVES

Special Equestrians is enriching the lives of individuals with special needs through the love of equine friendship.

By Anna Grace Moore | Photos by Kelsea Schafer

To know love is to know friendship–a loyalty bonding two souls despite their differences in life. At Special Equestrians, love is communicated through hardly any words at all.

Founded in 1985, Special Equestrians is a 501(c)3 based in Pelham, Alabama. The nonprofit serves to bring joy to people with special needs by nurturing their relationships with horses.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, Special Equestrians was founded by Rita Mendel, who after moving from New York to Alabama realized there were no therapeutic riding programs in the state.

With just five volunteers, she created Alabama’s first-ever therapeutic riding program at Oak Mountain State Park, borrowing five horses from the park for lessons.

Several physical therapists as well as riding instructors joined, and the program expanded, eventually outgrowing the stables at Oak Mountain. In 1993, Rita moved the program to its permanent location on Indian Springs School’s campus. Over

the last 30 years, Special Equestrians has worked with thousands of individuals, actively serving around 80 or more riders.

“Our mission is to help people with cognitive, physical or emotional challenges through a relationship with a horse,” Maddie Pozzo, Special Equestrians’ assistant director, says. “It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to ride the horse. We just feel like being around a horse is beneficial to anyone, not just people with special needs.”

The nonprofit provides not only therapeutic horseback riding, but it also provides horsemanship classes, which are adapted for participants who may not be physically able to mount a horse but would still like to learn and care for the animals.

Often, the Shetland pony-in-residence, Cody, spearheads these courses, and attendees always fall

in love with him. His smaller stature and docile demeanor make any participant feel at ease, especially if one relies on a mobility device.

“A lot of our participants who have a physical, cognitive or emotional challenge–they may have siblings or friends that participate in sports or dance, but for them to be able to come and participate in this amazing activity and say, ‘Well, I ride horses,’ is just so neat for them and for us to get to witness as well,” Maddie says.

Those interested in taking riding lessons must first apply online, and after an initial evaluation, participants can sign up for weeks-long group classes or even private lessons, depending on their individual needs. Special Equestrians utilizes skilled volunteers to act as side-walkers and leaders, so participants first learn to ride with three people walking around the horse they’re riding at all times. This practice allows for students to feel safe and

supported. It also helps that all of the horses at Special Equestrians are older, more experienced horses, often donated to the program from owners wanting them to go to a loving, laidback home.

Currently, Special Equestrians has 12 horses ranging from Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Gypsy Vanners, Shetland ponies and more. Many of these were former race or rodeo horses, and one even served as a mounted patrol horse in a police force.

Based on their skill level, riders are matched with a horse with the appropriate personality and experience. Many of Special Equestrians’ riders have never participated in horseback riding, so to slowly introduce riders to the program, instructors have utilized the MiraColt.

The MiraColt is a stationery saddle that mimics the hip movement of a horse in motion. By first learning to mount and ride this device, riders can

receive instruction in a safe, calm environment.

This device also prepares individuals who are more physically challenged for the task of horseback riding. On a horse, the rider has no back support, meaning he has to sit up tall and rely on his core muscles for balance as the horse is moving underneath him.

Especially for riders who use wheelchairs, horseback riding is beneficial because the horse’s hip action is similar to that of a person, enabling the rider’s muscles to move back and forth and from side to side–motion the rider does not experience while sitting in a wheelchair.

While the physical benefits of riding horses are numerous, there are a plethora of emotional benefits, too.

Mary Litton has been bringing her daughter, Lizzy Litton, 40, to Special Equestrians since 2020. In the past five years, Mary says she has seen Lizzy blossom with confidence because the volunteers pour so much love into the riders.

“Because of their encouragement to her and the way they deal with her, it just makes her feel happy,” Mary says. “It’s made her skill level–her confidence in what she’s doing [improve]. It makes her feel proud that she accomplished something.”

Atop Houston, a 31-year-old Thoroughbred and Lizzy’s favorite horse, she just squeals with excitement, trotting around the arena at her own pace. Houston is Special Equestrians’ oldest horse and always goes at “Lizzy’s speed,” which is a little unorthodox but nevertheless exciting for her.

“Lizzy is someone you would see out and about and would never know the incredible things that she can do on a horse. You’d never realize that she can get on a horse, and she rides without side walkers,” Maddie says, later adding, “Lizzy is such a great advocate for individuals with special needs because I think everyone that interacts with Lizzy sees the person she is and that she’s more than just her disability.”

Mary recalls the first time Lizzy was introduced to

Boots & Black Tie Gala

Special Equestrians’ annual gala fundraises for the nonprofit’s mission to enrich the lives of its participants through companionship with horses. Please consider showing your support as you enjoy a night of delicious foods, wonderful music, a silent auction and more:

Boots & Black Tie Gala Saturday, March 15 | 6 p.m. Windwood Equestrian 4848 County Road 11

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit specialequest.org/boots-andblack-tie-gala.

Pictured from left to right are Mia Carpri and Lizzy Litton.

a horse at Special Equestrians. She was quite timid and shy, yet all it took for her to face her fears was one nuzzle from the horse in a sweet embrace.

“It’s just so cool to see her riding a large animal that I know is so sweet and in sync with her,” Mary says. “The horse understands that he needs to adapt to her.”

Mike Carpri agrees that horses bring out the best in people. His daughter Mia Carpri, 15, was only 5 years old when she began participating in classes at Special Equestrians.

Mia, at the time, was incredibly fearful of all animals. She would not even get near the barn cats that roam the grounds.

Week after week, month after month, she slowly started warming up to the idea of riding a horse. Nearly a year into classes, she went for her first ride, and now 10 years later, she can ride without assistance.

“Her fear of animals diminished, and now, it’s turned into a real passion and a real love for animals,” Mike says. “Her confidence has skyrocketed. She just likes to be here to help out. She makes sure the horses get treats. She wants to be a voice for the horses.”

Funnily enough, riding horses has opened Mia’s eyes to becoming a veterinarian one day. She loves that while animals cannot talk, they say so much through their body language and just want to be understood.

Tess, a 27-year-old Warmblood, spent years as a professional jumper. Now, she is Mia’s favorite horse–dubbed the mistress with the most personality in the barn.

Despite Tess being somewhat sassy, Mia loves to ride her and will calmly work with her to figure out

how she is feeling. It’s amazing to Mike that his once shy, little girl is now commanding the attention of an animal 10 times her size.

“She stands up taller when we talk about Special Equestrians,” he says. “She has this glow about her when she’s talking about this place. She’s just happy when she’s here.”

While words often fall short, a horse’s gentle nuzzle or a longing gaze can say more about friendship than words ever could in a lifetime. Because they say a lot in so little, a horse’s love is ever present and is powerful enough to ignite positive change–perhaps even enough for people to look past exteriors and find the potential in each other.

Special Equestrians is located at 1215 Woodward Drive in Pelham. It is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on therapeutic horseback riding or how to volunteer, visit specialequest.org.

Soaking

Up Summer

Look no further than local businesses to find the perfect summer camp option.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

@ Thompson High School

THEME CAMP: Hogwarts Mystery Ages 7-12 June 16-20 | 9am-4pm

BLAST CAMP: Shake It Off Ages 9-15 June 23-27 | 9am-4pm RMT

BLAST CAMP: Shake It Off Ages 9-15 July 7-11 | 9am-4pm

THEME CAMP: Fairy Tales & Storybooks Ages 7-12 July 14-18 | 9am-4pm

Romantic

A Guide to

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Escapes

Wedding-Centric Travel

When planning your wedding journey, the destinations you choose play a pivotal role in creating lifelong memories. From dreamy engagements to bachelorette parties, intimate destination weddings and picture-perfect honeymoons, every step is an opportunity for adventure and romance. Here’s a curated guide to some of the world’s most enchanting venues and locales to make every moment of your wedding experience unforgettable.

BY CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL

Photos by Taylor Heery, Hotel Esencia, Agile LeVin/Visit Turks & Caicos, Matthew Millman, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, The Ansonborough & Contributed

Engagements: Perfect Backdrops for the Proposal

Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya, Mexico hotelesencia.com

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Riviera Maya, Hotel Esencia offers a mix of lush, tropical gardens and breathtaking beachfront views. Emily West, luxury travel advisor (emilywesttravel.com) shares, “Esencia still feels like a private home oasis — exclusive and tailored to perfection. Many of the items throughout the resort’s common areas are the original art and decor from when Esencia was a private residence for a dutchess of the Ferrari family.”

Propose under the stars with a private dinner on the beach or amidst the estate’s lush greenery for an intimate moment.

Les Roches Rouges, Côte d’Azur, France beaumier.com/en/properties/les-roches-rougeshotel/

Set along the French Riviera, this boutique hotel is a slice of Mediterranean paradise. Imagine popping the question on a terrace overlooking the Azure Sea, followed by champagne at sunset.

The Madrona, Healdsburg, California themadronahotel.com

This meticulously restored Victorian mansion in Sonoma County combines wine country charm with sophisticated luxury. The gardens provide an idyllic setting for a vineyard-side proposal.

The Madrona

Hotel Esencia

Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Getaways:

Bonding Before the Big Day

Casa Rosada, Sayulita, Mexico casarosadasayulita.com

For a laid-back yet vibrant escape, Casa Rosada is perfect. With its boho-chic vibes, colorful streets and surf-town atmosphere, Sayulita is ideal for bonding over surf lessons, beach parties and margaritas. Emily adds, “It feels like a Barbie dream house meets Moroccan flair, and you can sleep up to 14. The attention to detail with 24/7 staff makes this unparalleled for morning private yoga, sailing or themed dinner parties.”

The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville, North Carolina thehorseshoefarm.com

Owned and operated by the Turchin family, The Horse Shoe Farm can best be described as Southern Hospitality with a side of woo-woo. Brides and their bridesmaids can spend an afternoon in the Stable Spa getting facials and having tarot cards read. Then they can take the steps to the top of the silo for a moment of reflection (bring your Sharpie to add a great quote to the walls), or indulge in meditation or other wellness sessions.

Vermejo Reserve, New Mexico, USA

tedturnerreserves.com/vermejo/

For the adventurous group, this sprawling reserve offers activities like fly fishing, hiking and wildlife safaris. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for camaraderie around a roaring fire. Emily notes, “Personally, I think one of the best parts of the resort is that it’s all-inclusive, including meals, activities, alcohol and transportation around the property. In terms of value, it exceeds expectations while remaining approachable and giving guys opportunities for quality time and activities together.”

The Ansonborough, Charleston, South Carolina

theansonborough.com

For guys’ groups looking to enjoy a bit of everything on their “mancation,” The Ansonborough is an ideal home base. Originally built in 1901 as a stationer’s warehouse in the city’s oldest neighborhood, the hotel is just a short stroll to the best restaurants, activities, historic sites and nightlife Charleston has to offer. Make sure to check out the hidden poker room as well as the Rooftop Garden overlooking the harbor.

The Horse Shoe Farm

The Ansonborough

HIT THE ROAD

Destination

Weddings: Where Dreams Become Reality

Borgo San Felice, Tuscany, Italy borgosanfelice.com

A medieval village-turned-luxury retreat, Borgo San Felice is the epitome of Tuscan romance. Exchange vows amidst vineyards and olive groves, then feast on farm-to-table Italian cuisine under the stars.

Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina palmettobluff.com/stay/

This sprawling, lowcountry estate offers a mix of Southern charm and upscale elegance. Choose from a waterside chapel or an oak-draped lawn

Tips for Planning

Your Wedding Journey

uStart Early

Popular destinations book quickly, especially for weddings. Reserve your venue and accommodations as soon as possible.

uHire Local Experts

Enlist local planners or concierges to help with logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.

uThink About Accessibility

Make sure your chosen location is easy for guests to reach, especially if hosting a destination wedding.

uBlend Activities

Opt for destinations offering a mix of relaxation and adventure to cater to diverse tastes within your party.

uPersonalize Your Experience

Incorporate local traditions, foods or music to make your event unique and memorable.

Whether you’re planning an elaborate destination wedding or an intimate honeymoon, these destinations promise unparalleled beauty, romance and luxury. With the right planning, your wedding journey will not only celebrate your love, but it will also leave you with memories to cherish forever.

for your ceremony, followed by a reception featuring local oysters and bourbon cocktails. And yes, this is where Justin and Hailey Bieber tied the knot.

Le Toiny, St. Barth letoiny.com

For those dreaming of a Caribbean escape, Le Toiny offers exclusivity and unparalleled beauty. Picture a cliffside ceremony overlooking turquoise waters and a private beach reception under the moonlight.

Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

scrubisland.com

Whether it is an intimate ceremony on a pristine beach, a cliff-side union with a commanding view of the turquoise waters or an elegant affair in the largest ballroom in the British Virgin Islands, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is the perfect setting for a stunning destination wedding. It offers a variety of settings for an exotic wedding ceremony.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Honeymoons: Starting Forever in Style

Cap Juluca, Anguilla belmond.com/hotels/north-america/caribbean/ anguilla/belmond-cap-juluca/

With its white-sand beaches and Greco-Moorish architecture, Cap Juluca feels like stepping into a dream. Spend your days lounging by the crystal-clear waters and your nights savoring Caribbean cuisine.

Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos ambergriscay.com

For ultimate seclusion, Ambergris Cay offers private villas with infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Activities such as snorkeling, sailing and fine dining ensure your honeymoon is as relaxing or adventurous as you desire.

Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah aman.com/resorts/amangiri

Situated on the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri is the essence of luxury while still featuring easy access to three national parks: Zion, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Book a hot air balloon ride or a private helicopter tour to embark on your life together, or spend your afternoons at the spa for true desert wellness.

Turks & Caicos

The Shelby County Chamber

BUSINES S CONNECTI ONS

March/April ‘25 Chamber Events

March 4

Ambassador Work Group

11:30AM - 1:00PM

The Shelby County Chamber

March 4

Go & Grow Workshop

11:30AM - 1:00PM

The Shelby County Chamber

March 5

Career Readiness Workgroup

8:30AM - 9:30AM

The Shelby County Chamber

March 5

Small Business Work Group

4:00PM - 5:00PM

The Shelby County Chamber

March 6

Chamber Connections Luncheon

11:30AM - 1:00PM

Grande Hall @ Old Mill Square

March 13

Governmental Affairs Work Group

8:30AM - 9:30AM Sain Associates - 280

March 19

Community Luncheon

11:00AM - 1:00PM Pelham Civic Complex

March 20

Business After Hours

5:30PM - 7:00PM SYNLawn of Pelham

For information on Chamber work groups and how to get involved, visit shelbychamber.org or email info@ shelbychamber.org.

March 4 Go & Grow Workshop

How To Become a Center of Influence with Prospects and Clients

Whether you’ve started your own business or are thinking about it, this Go & Grow Workshop offers attendees valuable information they can use!

The workshop, facilitated by Michael Smith, the Chamber’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, will be on Tuesday, March 4 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chamber. The investment for this workshop, which includes lunch, is $15 per person for Chamber investors or $25 for “future” investors.

To ensure we have a proper headcount, make reservations by noon on Friday, Feb. 28 by contacting Kirk Mancer at kirk@shelbychamber.org or by calling 205-663-4542 or registering online.

April

8 “CoffeeNET”

Be sure to mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 8, and join The Shelby County Chamber for a CoffeeNET event hosted by McClendon Counseling & Consulting/The Rinehart Agency from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The morning meeting is designed for investors to enjoy networking, coffee and light refreshments all before heading to the office.

CoffeeNET events are a great way to make new business contacts, so bring plenty of business cards. There is no cost to attend; however, reservations are requested by noon on Monday, April 7 to assist in preparation.

To register, contact The Shelby County Chamber at 205-663-4542 or at jordan@ shelbychamber.org.

March 4 – One-on-One Business Counseling

Most small business owners and entrepreneurs often times feel like they’re all alone when dealing with a challenge or opportunity with their business.

If you’re dealing with an issue or an opportunity you’d like to discuss confidentially, take some time on March 4 to do just that with Michael Smith, The Shelby County Chamber’s Entrepre-

neur-in-Residence.

There are a limited number of time slots available for this complimentary and confidential business coaching opportunity, so please contact Kirk Mancer no later than March 2 at kirk@shelbychamber.org to schedule your one-onone opportunity.

March Chamber Connections Luncheon

The March Chamber Connections Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Grande Hall at Old Mill Square.

This program will feature comments from a panel of 2024 Shelby County Small Business of the Year recipients who will share their business stories of success. Panelists confirmed as of Jan. 15 include: uMelissa Dixon, CDI Janitorial uAubri McClendon, Counseling &

Consulting, LLC

uNedra Moore, Creations Galore & Moore

uKhiari McAlpin Knox, Vinehouse Nursery

The cost for chamber investors is $25 per person, and the cost for future investors is $35 per person. Reservations are requested by noon on Tuesday, March 4. Register by contacting info@shelbychamber.org or calling 205-663-4542.

Business After Hours hosted by SYNLawn of Alabama

The next opportunity for Shelby County’s premier business networking event is scheduled for SYNLawn of Alabama.

Bring plenty of business cards, and be ready to make some serious business contacts from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. The investment, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverage coupons for any Chamber investor, is $10 per person or $20 for “future” investors.

March 18.

Reservations are required, so register by contacting jordan@shelbychamber.org, by calling 205-663-4542 or visiting shelbychamber.org. Register by noon on Tuesday,

It’s building a life on your terms personal.

Building a business takes a trusted partner. Hossein Eshghi, owner of HE Construction, found that at AmFirst. When Hossein ventured into construction and home remodeling, he needed reliable business checking and great rates on equipment loans. AmFirst was happy to support him. Because HE Construction is more than just a business. It’s personal.

CHAMBER STAFF UPDATE

Jordan Powell Named Executive Vice President of Operations for The Shelby County Chamber

With the beginning of The Shelby County Chamber’s 2025 program year, Jordan Powell has been named Executive Vice President of Operations for the organization. Jordan, who joined the Chamber staff team in April 2018, has most recently served as Vice President of Investor Relations.

native and graduated from the University of Alabama with her Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, Human Development and Human Studies with a Concentration in Child Life.

She is a Chilton County

Andrea Egea Joins Shelby County Chamber Team As Investor Relations Coordinator

Andrea Egea has joined the Chamber’s professional staff team as its new Investor Relations Coordinator. This new position will focus on investor recruitment and engagement for existing potential new businesses to Shelby County. In addition, Andrea will assist Chamber President and CEO Kirk Mancer with Forward Shelby County programming and

the development of the organization’s next strategic plan.

Andrea received her Associate in Fine Arts degree as well as her Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University in Ohio. Her previous professional experience includes the Aveda Institute in Birmingham as well as the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce.

An Update on Shelby County’s University - The University of Montevallo

From its humble beginnings in 1896, the University of Montevallo has become a leading institution of higher learning in the state and region and is nationally recognized as a model for quality and affordability in higher education.

Dr. Courtney Bentley, the University’s Provost, will be the featured speaker for the

Chamber’s March “Community Luncheon,” which is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dr. Bentley will provide an update on “Shelby County’s University.”

The cost for Chamber investors is $25 per person or $35 per person for “future” investors. To assist with proper planning, reservations are re-

quested by noon on Friday, March 14. There is also an opportunity for up to 10 Chamber investors to have a “showcase feature table” at this luncheon for $60, which includes the table and two registrations. Contact the Chamber at info@shelbychamber.org or call 205-663-4542 to reserve your showcase feature table or your luncheon place.

Tuesday & Wednesday, 8:00 am

Cost $60 | Food provided

Shelby County Leadership I Class

Tuesday, 8:00 am

Cost: $30 | Food provided

Shelby County Leadership II Class

The one-day course covers: personality style inventory ethics in the workplace conflict management and employee motivation and coaching

Tuesday, 8:00 am

Cost: $30 | Food provided

Shelby County Leadership III Class

The one-day course covers: emotional intelligence critical problem solving time management and leading through change

The two-day course covers: Leading people Communication Teamwork Leading multiple generations https://centralsix.org/events/

Find Us Online

2025 Board of Directors

As of 1/13/25

OFFICERS

(Executive Committee)

Chamber Chair

Kevin Morris AmFirst

Chair-Elect

Rux Bentley

Rux Carter Insurance

Vice Chair, Business Development & Support

Traci Fox

T Fox SalonSpa Aveda

Vice Chair, Communications & Marketing

Chad Scroggins Shelby County

Vice Chair, Community & Career Development

Keith Brown Jefferson State Community College

Vice Chair, Finance & Administration

Tampia Anderson

The Arc of Shelby County

Vice Chair, Governmental Affairs

Melissa Dixon

CDI Janitorial Services

Vice Chair, Investor Relations

Jeff Purvis

A. C. Legg, Inc.

Immediate Past Chair

April Harry Warren, Averett, LLC

DIRECTORS

Holly Dean

Shelby Baptist Medical Center

Meribeth Gilbert McLeod Software

Daniel Morgan Express Employment Professionals

Nedra Moore Creations Galore and Moore

Chris Stricklin Dunn Companies

Chris Wilder Sealing Equipment Products Company

Josh Coker Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

Julie Godfrey Shelby County Schools

Scott Gossett Spire Alabama

Wade Kallaher

Birmingham Coca Cola Bottling Company

Keith Strickland Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood

Terri Williams A T & T - Alabama

Ken Coreno Central State Bank

Khiari McAlpin Knox Vinehouse Nursery

Anna Catherine Roberson Alabama Power Company

Steven Smith Specification Rubber Products

Kira Thomas University of Montevallo

Brian L. Wilson EBSCO Industries, Inc.

Laura Clarke SYNOVUS

Zachary Kirby Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Shelby County

John Platt Bryant Bank

Lynn Ray Business Telephones, Inc.

Amy Sturdivant (ExOfficio) 58 INC

(December 14, 2024 - January 10, 2025)

uLaQuinta Inn & Suites – Cheslea

uRockett’s Bug Juice Gardens, Inc.

uMountain Valley Counseling, LLC

uBirmingham Legion FC (ReInvestor)

Your Chamber at work

(December 14 – January 10, 2025)

- Responded to 58 requests for business and community information

- Promoting Chamber investors as well as Chamber and community events through the following social media outlets:

- Chamber Facebook: 7 “new follows,” 7,780 “post reaches” and 7,287 “total followers”

- X (Twitter): 2,920 “followers”

- Instagram: 1,763 “followers,” 275 “post reaches” and 5 “new followers”

- LinkedIn 1,088 (5 new) “followers,” 39 “unique visitors” and 190 “post impressions”

- WBC Facebook: 562 “followers”

Who’s Who

of Shelby County Businesses

Through their voluntary investment, these chamber investors support a program of work designed to make Shelby County an even better place to live and do business. The Chamber considers these organizations to be the most community-minded and successful businesses in Shelby County and strongly encourages you to do business with them.

The Shelby County Chamber Who’s Who Directory consists of Investors at the “Sustaining Level” or higher. For our complete investor list, please visit shelbychamber.org.

Block listings = Forward Shelby County Investors

As of 1/21/25

ACCOUNTING

Access Accounting (205) 516-4644 www.accessaccounting.net

Aprio, LLP (205) 991-5506 www.aprio.com

Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC (205) 982-5500 www.bmss.com

Deloach, Barber & Caspers CPA (205) 822-6350 www.dbccpas.com/

Essential Solutions, LLC (205) 663-8686 www.essential-solutions.biz

Graham and Associates, CPAs (205) 663-6673 www.grahamandassociates.net

I.H. McNeill, III, PC (205) 982-2664 www.ihmcneill.com

Jones & Associates, LLC (205) 436-8481 www.jonesandassociates.net

SAS Tax & Accounting, LLC (205) 621-0388 www.sastaxandaccounting.com

Simple Tax Solutions (205) 683-5313 www.simpletaxsolutions.info

Warren Averett, LLC (205) 979-4100 www. warrenaverett.com/offices/ birmingham

ADVERTISING & MARKETING SERVICES

BLR Further LLC (205) 324-8005 http://blrfurther.com

Duo Digital Marketing 205-492-9547 www.duodigitalmarketing.com

Lavish Events and Marketing (205) 249-3999 www.lavisheventsandmarketing.com

Fusion One Marketing (205) 206-6070 www.fusiononemarketing.com/

Meridian Graphics (205) 746-1188 www.myhelenacitynews.com

Plexamedia (877) 497-4606 www.plexamedia.com

Radio Active (205) 663-1859 www.radioactivebirmingham.com/

Turner Promotions (205) 983-2167

ADVERTISING SPECIALTIES

Crown Trophy of Pelham (205) 621-7393 www.crowntrophy.com

Junior Davis & Associates, Inc. 205-620-9961 www.juniordavis.com

Kopri Signs & Graphics, LLC (205) 903-1642 www.kopripromotions.com

Shelby Printing 205-664-3390 Shelbyprinting.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Carden Heating & Cooling (205) 669-2459 www.cardenhvac.com

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical 205-734-5420 www.happyhiller.com AirBnB

Legacy Landing Group LLC (205) 358-7011 www.legacylandinggroup.com

ALTERATIONS

By George (205) 663-7004 http://bygeorgeusa.com

ANTIQUES & INTERIORS

Oak Mountain Mercantile (205) 826-4256 www.facebook.com/ oakmountainmercantile

APARTMENTS & LEASING SERVICES

360 Management 205-624-4624

Hill Brook Manor / Central Shelby, Ltd. (205) 668-2020

Meadow Wood Apartments (205) 663-1101 www.sealyrealty.com

One Stop Housing LLC 941-993-9563 Onestophousing.com

The Abbey at Inverness (205) 991-9060 www.abbeyresidential.com/apartments/ al/birmingham/hunt-cliff-road/

The Huntley Apartments (205) 621-7062 www.huntleyapartmenthomes.com

Trails at Alabaster (205) 663-2824 www.trailsatalabaster.com

Turtle Lake Apartment Homes (205) 991-3719 www.turtlelakeapts.info

Wellington Manor Apartments (205) 621-0811 www.wellingtonmanorapts.com

APPLIED BEHAVIOR THERAPY

Freedom Therapies, Inc. (205) 358-7311 www.freedomtherapies.net

ARCHITECTS

Barry Davis Architects, PC (205) 444-1112 www.BarryDavisArchitects.com

Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Inc. (205) 879-4462 www.gmcnetwork.com

Lathan Associates Architects, PC (205) 988-9112 www.lathanassociates.com/

O’Kelley Architecture LLC (205) 637-1124 www.okelleyarchitecture.com

TRO Jung/Brannen, Inc. (205) 324-6744 www.trojb.com/

ART & PAINTING CLASSES

Old Mill Square (205) 669-5800 www.oldmillsquarecolumbiana.com

South City Theatre (205) 621-2128 www.southcitytheatre.com/

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Proveer at Grande View (205) 307-5500 www.proveeratgrandeview.com

The Bluffs at Greystone (205) 379-0322 www.phoenixsrliving.com

Associations & Organizations

Alabama Association of Nonprofits (205) 879-4712 www.alabamanonprofits.org

Aldridge Gardens (205) 682-8019 www.aldridgegardens.com

Closettec Inc. (205) 529-1786 www.closettecofalabama.com

Better Business Bureau (205) 558-2222 www.bbb.org/csal

Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association (205) 980-0540 www.carsbirmingham.com

Chelsea Business Alliance (205) 678-0123 www.facebook.com/ chelseabusinessalliance/

Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders (205) 912-7000 www.birminghambuilder.com

ATTORNEYS

Alabama Law Services, LLC (205) 419-4414 www.alabamalawservices.com

Bradford & Holliman, LLC (205) 663-0281 www.bradfordholliman.com

Dentons Sirote (205) 930-5100 www.dentons.com/en/global-presence/ united-states/birmingham

Ellis, Head, Owens & Justice (205) 669-6783 www.wallaceellis.com

Fulmer, May & Stuckey, LLC (205) 991-6367 www.fmslawfirm.com

Gina H. McDonald & Associates, LLC (205) 982-3325 www.ginamcdonaldlaw.com

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC (205) 324-4400 www.handfirm.com

Roland Milling Law, LLC (205) 620-1278 www.elizabethroland.com

Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial (205) 572-4100 www.wwhgd.com

AUTOMOBILE CAR WASH

Alabaster Car Wash & Wax Center (205) 358-8517 www.facebook.com/alabastercarwash

Blessed 2 Wash LLC (205) 409-5786 www.blessed2wash.as.me

Marc-1 Express Car Wash (205) 380-7404 www.marc1carwash.com/

AUTOMOBILE CUSTOMIZATION

Southern Off Road (205) 685-1911 www.southernoffroad.com

AUTOMOBILE DEALERS

Chevrolet Bessemer (205) 409-3083 www.chevroletbessemer.com

DonohooAuto, LLC (205) 444-9333 www.donohooauto.com

EAW Exclusive Auto Wholesale (205) 406-5644 www.eawcars.net

Long Lewis Auto Group - Alabaster (205) 663-3831

www.longlewisalabaster.com

Riverchase Kia (205) 987-6518 www.riverchasekia.com

RV Roadway & Roadway Collision Center Inc. (205) 663-0046 www.rvroadway.com

Southtown Motors (205) 663-4590 www.southtownmotors.com

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Graves Automotive 205-668-6261 Gravesautomotive.net

AUTOMOTIVE RETAIL

Burton Campers, Inc. (205) 668-0075

www.burtoncampers.com

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR

Cahaba Tire (205) 663-0433 www.cahabatire.com

Chelsea Tire & Service (205) 719-3321 chelseatireandservice.com

Chevrolet Bessemer (205) 409-3083 chevroletbessemer.com

Collision Pro (205) 514-1588 www.touchuppro.net

Empire Autohaus, Inc. (205) 664-5757

www.empireautohaus.com

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers136 1st Street North, Alabaster

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers – Calera (205) 651-7276

Express Oil Change & Tire EngineersHelena (205) 942-8957 www.expressoil.com

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 2308 Pelham Parkway, Pelham (205) 620-9244

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 2874 Pelham Parkway, Pelham (205) 664-1711

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, 851 1st Street North, Alabaster (205) 663-1690

Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, Corporate (205) 945-1771

www.expressoil.com

Greystone Tire and Automotive (205) 980-5113 www.greystonetireandauto.com/

Hoover Automotive (205) 587-4888 www.hoover-automotive.com

Howard Tire & Automotive Service (205) 669-4509 www.howardtowing.com/

Lynn Johnson Collision Repair, Inc. (205) 678-3784 www.lynnjohnsoncollision.net/

Melton Automotive (205) 663-8088 www.meltonautomotive.com

Mobile Fleet Specialists of Birmingham, Inc. (205) 564-8660 www.mobilefleetspecialists.com

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Care (205) 668-4244 www.mccartyford.com/ford-quick-lanecalera-al-2/

Shelby Auto Service (205) 664-4727 www.shelbyautoservice.com

BAKERY

Creations Galore and Moore (205) 690-8399 www.creationsgaloreandmoore.com/

Crumbl Cookie (205) 285-3203 www.crumblcookies.com

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ Cadence Place (205) 987-0790 edgarsbakery.com

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ Pelham (205) 987-0790 edgarsbakery.com/

Edgar’s Bakery, Inc. @ the Colonnade (205) 987-0790 edgarsbakery.com/

Emily`s Heirloom Pound Cakes (205) 937-7392 www.emilyheirloompoundcakes.com

JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies (205) 874-9880 www.jawandasweetpotatopie.com/ contact

Nothing Bundt Cakes (205) 538-7602 www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ al/hoover

BARTER EXCHANGE

MOXEY - Birmingham (205) 991-7050 www.moxeybham.com

Tradebank of Birmingham (205) 529-1786 www.birmingham.tradebank.com

BEAUTY SALONS

European Wax Center (205) 637-3201 www.waxcenter.com/

JustFabByKayla 601-323-7745 www.justfabbykayla.glossgenius.com

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio @ Inverness Plaza (205) 995-2442 www.facebook.com/Merle-NormanCosmetics-Birmingham-Alabama-atInverness-1689582458033213/

Shear Elegance (205) 365-9539 www.facebook.com/31shearelegance/

T. Fox SALONSPA (205) 403-8369 tfoxsalon.com

BEVERAGE

Leaders` Corner Coffee & Tea (205) 620-1700 www.leaderscorner.coffee

Just A Tish, Wine & More (205) 671-5267 www.justatishwine.com

The Beer Hog (205) 624-3096 www.thebeerhogal.com

The Chandelier Lounge (205) 260-6053

ThirsTea (205) 422-6761 www.thirstea280.com

BEVERAGE – DISTRIBUTION

Buffalo Rock Company (205) 940-9799 www.buffalorock.com

BOWLING ALLEY

Oak Mountain Lanes (205) 403-7466 www.oakmountainlanes.com

BOUTIQUE

CrysTees LLC 205-516-9066 www.crystees.shop

BREWERY

Oak Mountain Brewing Company (205) 994-6544 www.oakmountainbrewing.com

BROKERAGE FIRM

Ellis Properties, Inc. 205-669-1863

Sunbelt Business Brokers (205)-903-3564 www.sunbeltbirmingham.com

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

Dynamic Resultz Consulting 205-222-7649 Dynamicconsultinginc.com

EB5 Investors 1-800-997-1228 www.eb5investors.com

Galactic Employer Services 205-941-7091 www.galactic-inc.com

Michael Smith - Entrepreneur in Residence (205) 568-2526 www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltsmithusa/

LegalShield & IDShield (205) 503-3829 www.basult.wearelegalshield.com

The Neutral Solution (205) 202-6608 www.theneutralsolution.com

ZenBusiness 512-765-4985 www.zenbusiness.com/alabama-llc/

BUSINESS FURNISHINGS

Business Interiors (205) 939-1008 www.businteriors.com

CAMPGROUND

Birmingham South RV Park (205) 664-8832 www.birminghamrvpark.com/ CAT LOUNGE

The Lotus Catfe 205-624-3171 www.thelotuscatfe.com

CELLULAR EQUIPMENT & SERVICE

Save My Cell (205) 476-8663 www.alsavemycell.com

Cellular Sales Verizon Wireless (205) 822-2526 www.cellularsales.com/aboutus

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 425-3253

Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 324-2100 www.birminghamchamber.com

Chilton County Chamber of Commerce (205) 755-2400 www.chiltonchamberonline.com

Fultondale Chamber of Commerce (205) 337-1629 www.fultondalechamber.com

Homewood Chamber of Commerce (205) 871-5631 www.homewoodchamber.org

Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 988-5672 www.hooverchamber.org

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 699-5001 www.leedsareachamber.com

Montevallo Chamber of Commerce (205) 665-1519 www.montevallocc.com/wp/

Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce (205) 871-3779 www.mtnbrookchamber.org/

The Shelby County Chamber 205-663-4542 www.shelbychamber.org

Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce (205) 655-7535 www.trussvillechamber.com

Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce (205) 823-5011 www.vestaviahills.org

CHILDCARE

La Petite Academy of Pelham 205-663-4011 www.lapetiteacademyinc.com

Ready, Set, Grow (205) 678-7123 www.childcarecenter.us/provider_detail/ readyset_grow_cdc_chelsea_al Vinehouse Nursery (205) 564-8564 www.vinehousenursery.com

CHURCHES

Columbiana United Methodist Church (205) 669-7164

DAYSPRING Church (205) 588-8681 www.dclife.org

First Baptist Church of Columbiana (205) 669-3128 www.fbccol.net/

Pelham Church of God (205) 664-0120 www.pelhamchurch.com

CLEANING SERVICES

Quintana Quality Services (205) 738-1386 www.quintanaservices.com

CLINICAL LAB SERVICES

GoldenPoint Scientific Labs (205) 573-6222 www.goldenpointlabs.com

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Bountiful Gifts & Apparel 205-677-4008 www.bountifulgifts.net

Grateful Lotus (205) 624-3056 www.gratefullotus.com

Prissy Lola Boutique (256) 626-0109 www.prissylolaboutique.com

Salt Clothing Co 205-238-5926 COFFEE

7 Brew Coffee 205-443-9609 www.southernbrew.com

Scooter’s Coffee 205-317-6273 www.scooterscoffee.com

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL JUNK REMOVAL

JDog Junk Removal & Hauling (205) 223-0612 www.JDogjunkremoval.com

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

CDI Janitorial Services (205) 981-2171 cdibirmingham.com

COMMUNITY/SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

AARP Alabama (866) 542-8167 states.aarp.org/region/alabama/

Adaptive Aquatics (205) 807-7519 www.adaptiveaquatics.org

Alabama Forest Owners’ Association, Inc. (205) 987-8811 www.afoa.org

Alabaster Arts Council (205) 664-9273 www.alabastercityfestonline.com

American Red Cross - Shelby Jefferson Office (205) 439-7800 www.redcross.org/local/al-ms/about-us/ locations/mid-alabama

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham - Shelby County Office (205) 378-4050 www.bbbsbhm.org

Cahaba River Society (205) 322-5326 www.cahabariversociety.org/

Columbiana Housing Authority (205) 669-6921

Columbiana Main Street (205) 209-2417 www.facebook.com/ ColumbianaMainStreet1/?hc_ location=ufi

Compact2020 (205) 605-1824 www.compact2020.com

Developing Alabama Youth Foundation (205) 664-1600 www.thedayprogram.com/

Grace Klein Community (205) 490-7516 www.gracekleincommunity.com/

Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness & Sports (205) 607-0504 www.physicalfitness.alabama.gov

Junior Achievement of Alabama, Inc. (205) 290-9365 www.juniorachievement.org/web/jabirmingham/

King’s Home (205) 678-8331 www.kingshome.com/

Leadership Shelby County www.leadershipshelbycounty.com/ LifeSouth Community Blood Centers (205) 943-6000 www.lifesouth.org

Montevallo Main Street (205) 665-2555 ext. 106 www.facebook.com/ MontevalloMainStreet/

Owens House, The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. (205) 669-3333 www.owenshouse.org

SCORE (205) 264-8425 www.score.org/index.html

Shelby County Arts Council (205) 669-0044 www.shelbycountyartscouncil.com

Shelby Emergency Assistance (205) 665-1942 www.shelbyemergencyassistance.com/

Shelby Humane 205-669-3916 www.shelbyhumane.org

The Arc of Shelby County (205) 664-9313 www.thearcofshelby.org

The Jimmie Hale Mission (205) 323-5878 www.jimmiehalemission.com

United Way of Central Alabama (205) 251-5131 www.uwca.org

Vineyard Family Services (205) 533-7852 www.vfsdads.com

COMPUTER SERVICES & SOLUTIONS

Cahaba Valley Computer Services, LLC (205) 980-9903 www.cvcsllc.com

Personal Computer Consulting (205) 621-9304

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Adobe (408) 753-5826 www.adobe.com

Doozer Software, Inc. (205) 413-8302 www.doozer.com

HybridHOA (205) 267-0818 www.hybridhoa.com

McLeod Software (205) 823-5100 www.mcleodsoftware.com

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Abacus Technologies 884-443-5900 www.abacustechnologies.com

CONSTRUCTION

Adams Homes, LLC (205) 620-1173 www.adamshomes.com

American Concrete Foundations and Walls LLC

205-995-1099 www.acfw.us

Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC (205) 328-4000 www.brasfieldgorrie.com

Champion Technologies, LLC (205) 663-6116 www.control4.com/dealer/ championtechnologiesllc1-35124/ pelham-al/

Dunn Construction Company, Inc. (205) 592-3866 www.dunnconstruction.com/

JWD Services LLC 205-601-8879 www.jwdservicesllc.com

M.J. Harris Construction Services, LLC (205) 380-6800 www.mjharris.com

South East Concrete, LLC (205) 995-9888 /www.seccompany.com

Timberline Construction Group LLC (205) 848-8300 www.timberlineconstructiongrp.com/

Wildcat Construction 205-618-9192 www.wildcatbuilds.com

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENTSALES AND SERVICE

Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. (205) 664-4833 www.thompsontractor.com/ CONSULTING

Entrepreneurship Ecosystems, LLC (573) 953-0717

Manley LLC 205-276-5888 www.eosworldwide.com/duncan-manley

CONVENIENCE STORES

Quick Shop (205) 682-2766 www.qshop.us

Raceway Hwy 280 (205) 995-6601 www.racewaystores.com

Raceway Oak Mountain (205) 982-2900 www.racewaystores.com

Schoel Engineering Company, Inc. 205-323-6166 www.schoel.com

Tolbert Investments, LLC (205) 337-7067 www.tolbertinvestments.com Commercial Roofing

Mighty Dog Roofing (205) 964-9467 www.mightydogroofing.com/ birmingham-al/

COUNSELING SERVICES

ATRF/GEO Group (205) 669- 1187 www.georeentry.com

Christy Hayes Counseling (205) 242-0434 www.christyhayescounseling.com

Croswell Counseling Services, LLC (205) 660-1959 www.croswellcounseling.com

Integrative Health Services, LLC (205) 644-1166 www.ihealthservices.org

McClendon Counseling & Consulting, LLC 205-728-4648 aubrianna-mcclendon.clientsecure.me

Mountain Valley Counseling, LLC 205-382-8550 www.mountainvalleycounseling.com

Warrior Wellness Group, LLC (205) 624-2422 www.warriorwellnessgroup.com

COUNTRY CLUBS & SPECIALTY STORES

Greystone Golf & Country Club (205) 980-5200 www.greystonecc.com

DANCE SCHOOL

Tippi Toes Birmingham (205) 907-0116 www.tippitoesdance.com

DENTAL

Acton Family Dentistry (205) 823-2258 www.alabamafamilydentistry.com

Albritton & Ardovino Family Dentistry (205) 664-7610 www.aaFamilyDental.com

Buck Creek Family Dental (205) 624-4570 www.heartlanddental.com

Calera Dental Center, P.C. (205) 620-3312 www.caleradentalcenter.com

Elite Dentistry & Implant Center (205) 678-2525 www.elitedentistryal.com/

Greystone Smile Design (205) 981-7775 www.greystonesmiledesign.com/

Kari Bartlett DMD, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (205) 663-6545

Montevallo Family Dentistry - Dr. Bobby F. Shunnarah DMD (205) 665-2224 www.montevallofamdentistry.com

Pelham Dental Care (205) 663-6246 www.pelhamdentalcare.com

Premier Family Dentistry (205) 621-5304 www.premierfamilyofalabaster.com

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry (205) 419-7444 www.shelbypediatric.com

StoneCreek Dental Care (205) 663-1280 www.stonecreekdentalcare.com

Thomas E. Dudney, DMD, PC (205) 663-6545 www.thomasdudney.com

Toothbud Dentistry (205) 668-7766 www.toothbudcalera.com

DEVELOPERS

Clayton Management, LLC (205) 621-0809

Enviro-Systems (205) 437-3779 www.enviro-systemsllc.com/services/ DISINFECTION TECHNOLOGIES

Clean Surface LLC (205) 229-3588 www.cleansurface.info

DISTRIBUTORS

ATG Distribution (256) 249-8578 www.atgdistribution.com

Avanti Polar Lipids, LLC (205) 663-2494 www.avantilipids.com

BTC Wholesale Distributors, Inc. 205-324-2581 www.btcwholesale.com

Hibbett Distribution Center (205) 942-8398 www.hibbett.com

Morrow Water Technologies, Inc. (205) 991-7222 www.morrowwater.com

DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Gone for Good Secure Document Destruction (205) 943-5252 www.ucpgoneforgood.com

Drug Testing Fastest Labs of South Birmingham (205) 498-0444 fastestlabs.com/south-birmingham

DRY CLEANING SERVICES

Champion Cleaners of Calera (205) 668-4727 www.championcleaners.com

Champion Cleaners of Hoover (205) 408-2797 www.championcleaners.com

Legacy Cleaners (205) 408-8800 www.facebook.com/ LegacyCleanersGreystone/ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION

58 INC. - Shelby County Economic Development Corporation (205) 620-6658 58inc.org/

Alabama Works (800) 248-0033 www.madeinalabama.com

Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (205) 943-4700 www.edpa.org/

Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (205) 251-8139 www.rpcgb.org/

EDUCATION - RECREATION/ ENRICHMENT

Alabama 4H Center (205) 669-4241 www.alabama4hcenter.org

Alabama Wildlife Center (205) 663-7930 www.alabamawildlifecenter.org

American Village (205) 665-3535 www.americanvillage.org

McWane Science Center (205) 714-8372 www.mcwane.org

EDUCATION - SCHOOLS

Alabaster City Board of Education (205) 663-8400 www.alabasterschools.org

Calera High School (205) 682-6100 Shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/cahs/ index.htm

Career Technical Educational Center (205) 682-6650 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/sccc/ index.htm

Central Alabama Community College (256) 234-6346 www.cacc.edu

Chelsea High School (205) 682-7290 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/chhs/ index.htm

Coosa Valley Academy (205) 672-7326 www.coosavalleyacademy.org/

Cornerstone Christian School (205) 669-7777 www.cornerstonechargers.com

Faulkner University (205) 879-5588 www.faulkner.edu

Helena High School (205) 682-3650 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/hhs

Indian Springs School (205) 988-3350 www.indiansprings.org

Jefferson State Community College (205) 520-5900 www.jeffersonstate.edu/

Montevallo High School (205) 682-6400 www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/schools/mhs/

Pelham City Schools (205) 624-3700 www.pelhamcityschools.org/

Pelham High School (205) 624-3701 www.phs.pelhamcityschools.org/

Shelby County Board of Education (205) 682-7000 shelbyed.k12.al.us/

Shelby County Instructional Services Center (205) 682-5910

Shelby County Schools Education Foundation (205) 682-5255 www.shelbyedfoundation.org

Stephens College of Business at University of Montevallo (205) 665-6540 www.montevallo.edu/academics/ colleges/college-of-business/

Thompson High School (205) 685-6700 www.acsboe.org/Domain/10

University of Montevallo (205) 665-6230 www.montevallo.edu

University of Phoenix 480-560-9214 www.phoenix.edu

Vincent Middle/High School (205) 682-7300

EDUCATION – TRAINING AND TUTORING

Grade Power Learning (205) 620-2373 www.gradepowerlearning.com

HeartSouth CPR Training Services LLC (205) 296-3447 www. HeartSouthCPR.com

Mathnasium of Inverness Corners 205-437-3322 Mathnasium.com/invernesscorners

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

EPI. INC. (205) 436- 8175

Inline Electric & Lighting Showroom (205) 982-7511 www.inlinelighting.com

Johns Electric Inc (205) 426-0583 Johnselectricservice.com

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT

2065 Wealth Management 205-444-5588 www.2065wealthmanagement.com

EMPLOYMENT - AGENCIES & SERVICES

Alabama Career Center System of Alabaster (205) 663-2542 alabamaworks.alabama.gov/vosnet/ Default.aspx

Express Employment Professionals (205) 981-1141 www.expresspros.com/sbirminghamal/

UAB Career Center 205-934-0161 www.uab.edu/students/careercenter

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Advanced Electrical Co., LLC (205) 664-4500 www.advancedelectricalcompany.com

ENGINEERS

AECOM Transportation (205) 970-0744 www.aecom.com

DSLD Land Management AquaScapes (205) 437-1012 www.dsldland.com

ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES

Barge Design Solutions, Inc. 205-298-6074 www.bargedesign.com

Engineering Design Technologies, Inc (205) 942-8631 www.edtinc.net

Engineers of the South, LLC (205) 327-9140 www.engineersofthesouth.com

ESP Associates (205) 664-8498 www.espassociates.com

Garver USA (205) 443-3080 www.GarverUSA.com

Gonzalez-Strength & Associates, Inc. (205) 942-2486 www.gonzalez-strength.com

Hargrove Engineers + Constructors (205) 484-0227 www.hargrove-epc.com

MW/ Davis Dumas & Associates, Inc. (205) 252-0246 www.mwdda.com

Sain Associates, Inc. * Grey box* (205) 940-6420 www.sain.com/

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Corblu Ecology Group, LLC (205) 677-0322 www.corblu.com

EVENT

ESPN/TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl (205) 733-3776 www.ticketsmarterbirminghambowl. com/

EVENT & MEETING SPACE

Destined Events (205) 564-2307 www.destinedevents.net

Oak Island Mansion, LLC (205) 614-4800 www.oakislandmansion.com

Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena (205) 620-6448 www.pelhamciviccomplex.com/ Venue31 (205) 419-7226 www.venue31.com/

EXTENDED STAY

AHI Corporate Housing (205) 987-7797 www.theahigroup.com

Homewood Suites Birmingham Riverchase (205) 637-2900 homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ alabama/homewood-suites-by-hiltonbirmingham-sw-riverchase-galleriaBHMHMHW/index.html

Homewood Suites Inverness (205) 995-9823 www.birmingham.homewoodsuites.com

EYE CARE

Alabaster Eye Care (205) 624-3088 www.alabastereyecare.com

Dr. Kye L. Mansfield, Optometrist (205) 663-3937 drkyemansfield.com/

Eyes on Chelsea Vision Care (205) 980-4530 www.eyesonchelsea.com

Hayes Eye Center (205) 678-2020 www.hayeseye.com/

Inverness Eye Care (205) 991-0020 www.invernesseyecare.com

Paige Chambers, OD (205) 987-0696

Pelham Eye Center (205) 624-4736 www.pelhameyecenter.com

Schaeffer Eye Center of Greystone (205) 979-2020 www.schaeffereyecenter.com

Schaeffer Eye Center of Inverness (205) 995-2020 www.schaeffereyecenter.com

Schaeffer Eye Center of Mountain Brook (205) 802-2020 www.schaeffereyecenter.com

Schaeffer Eye Center of the Colonnade (205) 967-2020 www.schaeffereyecenter.com

Schaeffer Eye Center of Vestavia Hills (205) 979-2020 www.schaeffereyecenter.com

Southlake Optometry (205) 968-1160 www.southlakeeyes.com

VISION FIRST EYE CENTER INC (205) 949-2020 visionfirsteyecenter.com/

Vision Source - Dr. Michael Blackburn, Optometrist (205) 980-5152 www.VisionSource-Blackburn.com

FAMILY AND CHILD RESOURCE GUIDE

Sav-A-Life Shelby, Inc. (205) 664-1667 www.savalifeshelby.org

FERTILITY

Innovative Fertility Specialists (205) 509-0700 www.ifsinvo.health

FINANCIAL COACHING & CONSULTING

Edward Jones Investments - Laci Graul (205) 388-7399

Everett Advisory Partners 1-205-790-8498 www.everettadvisory.com

G Group Investments & Consulting LLC (205) 370-4195

Kelley and Mullis Wealth Management (205) 733-8006 www.kmwealthmanagement.com

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Alabama Credit Union (205) 777-0938 www.alabamacu.com

AlaTrust Credit Union (800) 264-8031 www.alatrustcu.com

America’s First Federal Credit Union (800) 633-8431 www.amfirst.org

America’s First Federal Credit Union of Inverness (205) 995-0001 www.amfirst.org

America’s First Federal Credit Union of Pelham (205) 663-1945 www.amfirst.org

APCO Employees Credit Union of Chelsea (205) 678-8406 www.apcocu.org

Avadian Credit Union Corporate (205) 985-2828 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union Greystone (205) 437-3696 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union Hoover (205) 989- 5220 www.avadiancu.com

Avadian Credit Union of Chelsea (205) 678-7797 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union of Helena (205) 621-4262 www.avadiancu.com/

Avadian Credit Union of Pelham (205) 620-2332 www.avadiancu.com/

Advance America 205-668-4177 www.advanceamerica.net

BancorpSouth Bank (205) 408-1954 www.bancorpsouth.com

Bryant Bank (205) 408-6401 www.bryantbank.com/

Bryant Bank of Columbiana (205) 670-9735 www.bryantbank.com

CB&S Bank (205) 408-5560 www.cbsbank.com

Central State Bank (205) 605-0350 www.centralstatebank.com

Central State Bank of Calera (205) 624-6260

Coosa Pines Federal Credit Union of Chelsea (205) 678-3600 www.coosapinesfcu.org

eCO Credit Union of Alabaster (205) 226-3912 www.ecocu.org

Edward Jones Investments - Daniel Logan (205) 216-6952 www.edwardjones.com

FirstBank 205-236-5850 www.firstbankonline.com

First Financial Bank (205) 664-1824 www.ffbalabama.com

First Horizon Hoover (205) 803-5949 www.firsthorizon.com

First US Bank (205) 582-1074 www.firstusbank.com/

First US Bank of Calera (205) 668-0425 www.firstusbank.com

First US of Harpersville (205) 672-8752 www.firstusbank.com

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (205) 933-9933 www.legacycreditunion.com

Legacy Community Federal Credit Union (205) 930-5000 www.legacycreditunion.com

Mutual Savings Credit Union of Pelham (205) 682-6345 www.mutualsavings.org

Mutual Savings Credit Union of Riverchase (205) 682-1167 www.mutualsavings.org

NobleBank & Trust (205) 588-7060 www.noblebank.com

Pee Wee’s Pawn Shop 205-664-5690 www.peeweepawn.com

People’s Bank of Alabama 205-438-7164 www.peoplesbankal.com

PNC Bank (205) 657-6682 https://www.pnc.com

United Community (205) 822-5500 www.myprogressbank.com

Regions Financial NA (205) 264-4993 www.regions.com

Regions Financial of Columbiana (205) 669-4061 www.regions.com

Regions Financial of Greystone (205) 980-4400 www.regions.com/

Regions Financial of Helena (205) 685-1680 regions.com

Regions Financial of Inverness (205) 408-1301 www.regions.com

Regions Financial of Pelham (205) 663-0723 www.regions.com

Regions of Montevallo (205) 665-4708 regions.com

Renasant Bank at Park Place (205) 716-3475 www.renasantbank.com/

Renasant Bank of Chelsea (205) 678-2265 www.renasant.com

Renasant Bank of Columbiana (205) 669-3161

Renasant Bank of Pelham (205) 663-3834 www.renasantbank.com/

ServisFirst Bank (205) 447-2729 www.servisfirstbank.com

SouthState Bank (205) 313-2100 www.southstatebank.com

Synovus (205) 868-4808 www.synovus.com/

Synovus Pelham (205) 803-4593 www.synovus.com

Valley Bank (205) 408-2000 www.valley.com/

Wells Fargo at Brook Highland (205) 948-1400 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at North Shelby (205) 620-3130 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at Oak Mountain (205) 403-4115 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo at The Summit (205) 948-1000 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (205) 254-5931 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Alabaster (205) 620-1009 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Hoover (205) 354-1020 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Inverness (205) 980-2460 www.wellsfargo.com

Wells Fargo of Riverchase (205) 403-4100

www.wellsfargo.com

FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

777 Investments LLC 573-953-0717

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Southern Wealth Builders 205-427-3363 www.southernwealthbuilders.com

Financial Products & Services

OneAscent Financial Services (205) 847-1343 www.oneascent.com/

PS & G Financial Partners (205) 776-6651 www.www.psg-fp.com/

FIRE & WATER RESTORATION

DryTech Water Restoration (205) 637-0143 www.mydrytech.com

PuroClean of Birmingham (205) 994-7227 www.puroclean.com/pes-al

Royal Restoration, LLC. (205) 988-9696 www.restorewithroyal.com

ServPro of Birmingham (205) 664-6770 www.servpro.com/franchise. asp?id=2710

FLIGHT SCHOOL

Over The Mountain Aviation (205) 670-6359 www.otmaviation.com

FIRE PROTECTION

North Shelby Fire and EMS District (205) 991-6439 www.northshelbyfire.com/

VSC Fire & Security, Inc. 256-203-8599 www.vscfire.com

FLOORING, CARPET, HARDWOOD Carpet Outlet of Pelham (205) 663-4393 www.carpetoutletpelham.com/

Floor Coverings International of Birmingham (205) 332-1460 www.birmingham. floorcoveringsinternational.com

Hill’s Carpet (205) 358-7879 hillscarpetstore.com

Issis & Sons Carpet (205) 663-2310 issisandsons.com/ FLORISTS

Amazing Flowers & Occasions 205-669-7061 www.amazingfloweres.florist

Bella Blooms and Designs (205) 624-2217 www.bellabloomsanddesigns.com

FOOD

Lickin Good Donuts 205-593-4647

FOOD - FULL LINE SERVICES

Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods (205) 406-8421 www.smileybrothersfoods.com

Sysco Food Services of Central AL, Inc. 205-668-0001 www.sysco.com

FOOD - SEASONINGS

A.C. Legg, Incorporated (205) 324-3451 www.aclegg.com

FOOD WHOLESALE

Southeastern Food Merchandisers (205) 664-3322 www.southeasternfood.com/

FUNDRAISING

Funding Solutions (512) 382-7270 www.funsol.com

FUNERAL HOMES

Bolton Funeral Home (205) 669-3179 www.boltonfuneralhome.com/

Charter Funeral Home (205) 621-0800 www.charterfuneral.com

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Southeastern Construction Partners, LLC (205) 637-5020 www.southeasternconstructionpartners. com/

GIFT SHOP

E & C Creations Holiday Shop 205-243-3784 www.eandccreations.com

GOLF

Ballantrae Golf Club (205) 620-GOLF (4653) www.ballantraegolf.com/

Heatherwood Golf And Country Club (205) 502-4101 www.heatherwoodgcc.com

Inverness Country Club (205) 991-8608 www.iccalabama.com/

Timberline Golf Club (205) 668-7888 www.timberlinegc.com

GOVERNMENT - CITY

Alabaster Water Board (205) 663-6155 www.alabasterwater.com

City of Alabaster (205) 664-6800 www.cityofalabaster.com

City of Birmingham (205) 254-2283 www.birminghamal.gov

City of Calera (205) 668-3500 www.cityofcalera.org

City of Chelsea (205) 678-7260 www.cityofchelsea.com/

City of Columbiana (205) 669-5800 www.cityofcolumbiana.com/

City of Helena (205) 663-2161 www.cityofhelena.org/

City of Hoover (205) 444-7500 www.hooveral.org

City of Leeds (205) 699-2585 www.leedsalabama.com

City of Montevallo (205) 665-2555 www.cityofmontevallo.com

City of Pelham (205) 620-6400 www.pelhamalabama.gov

City of Vestavia Hills (205) 978-0100 www.vestaviahills.net

City of Vincent (205) 672-2261 www.cityofvincental.com/

Town of Harpersville (205) 672-9961 www.harpersvilleal.gov/

Town of Mt Laurel (205) 408-8696 www.mtlaurel.com

Town of Westover (205) 678-3375 www.westoveralabama.org/

Town of Wilsonville (205) 669-6180 www.wilsonvilleal.com/

Town of Wilton (205) 665-2021 www.wiltonalabama.net/

GOVERNMENT - COUNTY

Circuit and District Court (205) 669-8588

Shelby County (205) 670-6550 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby County Circuit Clerk (205) 669-3760 www.18jc.alacourt.gov

Shelby County Commission, District 1 (205) 669-6743

Shelby County Commission, District 2 (205) 427-4289

Shelby County Commission, District 3 (205) 665-9573

Shelby County Commission, District 4 (205) 663-7334

Shelby County Commission, District 5 (205) 988-4483

Shelby County Commission, District 6 (205) 988-0658

Shelby County Commission, District 7 (205) 985-7179

Shelby County Commission, District 8 (205) 982-8717

Shelby County Commission, District 9 (205) 678-2020

Shelby County Coroner (205) 669-3846 www.shelbyal.com/219/Coroners-Office

Shelby County Department of Development Services (205) 620-6650 www.shelbyal.com

Shelby County Director of Public Works (205) 669-3869

Shelby County District Attorney (205) 669-3750

Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (205) 669-3999 www.shelbyal.com/index.aspx?nid=252

Shelby County Engineer (205) 669-3880

Shelby County Finance Manager (205) 669-3943

Shelby County Health Department (205) 620-1650

Shelby County Juvenile Services (205) 669-3831

Shelby County Planning Commission (205) 960-7220 www.shelbyal.com/

Shelby County Probate Judge (205) 669-3713

Shelby County Property Tax Commission (205) 670-6900

GOVERNMENT - FEDERAL

SBA - Alabama District Office (205) 290-7101

www.sba.gov/district/alabama

U. S. Representative Gary Palmer - 6th Congressional District (205) 968-1290 www.palmer.house.gov/

U. S. Senator Kate Britt`s Office (205) 731-1384 www.shelby.senate.gov

U. S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s Office (202) 224-4124 www.tuberville.senate.gov

GOVERNMENT- STATE

Alabama House of Representatives (205) 612- 2433 www.susandubose.com

Judge Matt Fridy, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals (205) 280-0260

State Representative Kenneth Paschal (334) 261-0500 www.kennethpaschal.com/

Senator J.T. Waggoner (205) 978-7405

Shelby County Legislative Office (205) 620-6610 www.shelbylegislators.com/

State Representative Leish Nelsey, District 15

State Representative Arnold Mooney, District 43

State Representative Corley Ellis, District 41 (334) 242-7600

State Representative Susan Duboser, District 45 (205) 699-7392

State Representative Jim Carns, District 48 (334) 242-7600

State Representative Russell Bedsole, District 49 (334) 261-0500

State Senator April Weaver, District 14 (334) 261-0886

GROCERS

Food Outlet (205) 668-2315 www.savmorcalera.com

Mi Pueblo Supermarket (205) 685-1446 www.mipueblosupermarket.com

Piggly Wiggly Grocery of Columbiana (205) 669-4278

Piggly Wiggly of Dunnavant Valley (205) 918-7120 www.thepigbham.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Aesthetic Dermatology (205) 588-7000 www.dermatologistsofbirmingham.com

The Glamour Grotto 205-326-7101 www.instagram.com/the.glamourgrotto

HEALTH & FITNESS

Champions Boxing (205) 358-8176 www.championsboxingal.com

Gameday Men’s Health – Pelham 205-855-0201 www.gamedaymenshealth.com/pelham

Jazzercise Riverchase Fitness Center (205) 737-3488 www.jazzercise.com/location/jazzerciseriverchase-fitness-center-17433

Uncommon Physical Therapy LLC (507) 358-9993 www.uncommonPT.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Brookdale University Park (205) 870-0786 www.brookdale.com

Element Wellness (205) 326-7333 elementwellness.me

Elise Hearn, Shaklee Independent Distributor (205) 821-2270 www.elise.myshaklee.com

Shelby County Physical Therapy 205-621-3077 www.shelbycountypt.com

Skin Wellness Center of Alabama (205) 871-7332 www.skinwellnessal.com

Soul Story Therapy (205) 202-9685 www.soulstorytherapy.com

TherapySouth of Helena (205) 624-4708 www.therapysouth.com/locations/ helena/

HEALTH CARE

Absolute Health & Wellness (205) 218-6445 www.absolutehealthwellness.com

Aveanna Hospice of Pelham 205-663-6887 www.aveanna.com

CardioVascular Associates (205) 510-5000 www.cvapc.com

Fresenius Medical Care 205-664-9106 www.fmcna.com

GoldenPoint Scientific Labs (205) 573-6222 www.goldenpointlabs.com

Premier Assisted Living- Memory Care (205) 542-6858 www.premierassisted.com

Pro Health Home Health & Hospice (205) 619-6009 www.prohealthgroup.com

Right at Home (205) 460-1062 www.rahbhm.com

HEALTH INSURANCE

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama (205) 220-2100 www.bcbsal.org/web/index.html

VIVA Health Cafe’ (205) 978-4911 www.vivahealth.com

HOME FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Encore Resales Inc. (205) 358-7690 www.encorehome.com

Flipsies Furniture (205) 957-4001 www.flipsiesfurniture.com

Gabriella White Corporation (205) 358-9585 www.summerclassicshome.com

Summer Classics (205) 358-9200 www.summerclassics.com

The Prickly Pear (205) 260-4490 www.thepricklypearonline.com

Urban Home Market (205) 980-4663 www.urbanhomemarket.com

HOME HEALTH CARE

Expectcare (205) 444-0126 www.expectcare.com

Comfort Care Home Health and Hospice (205) 685-0421 www.comfortcarehomehealth.com

HOME HEALTH CARE - NONMEDICAL

Home Instead Senior Care 205-822-1915 www.homeinstead.com

Interim Healthcare Shelby (205) 974-1568 www.interimhealthcare.com

Pathlight Seniorcare Services, LLC (205) 715-8956 www.pathlightseniorcare.com

Synergy Homecare of Alabaster (205) 600-1001 www.synergyhomecare.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTSCONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

Bath Fitter (205) 876-1760 www.bathfitter.com

Brown Lumber & Building Supply (205) 669-6715 www.brownlumber.com/

Coleman Construction, Inc. (205) 383-5472 colemanconstruction.net

Drain Right Guttering, LLC (205) 664-9828 www.drainrightguttering.com/

HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

Birmingham Chimney Services 205-547-0557 www.birmingham chimneyservices.com

Home Repair Service 205-858-1658 www.hrsbham.com

HOME SERVICES

Under One Roof, LLC (205) 365-8524 www.underoneroofllc.com

US Department of HUD (205) 731-2630

HOSPICE

Affinity Hospice (205) 644-8684 www.affinityhospice.com/

HOSPITAL

Children’s Health System (205) 638-9100 www.childrensal.org/

Encompass Health of Shelby County (205) 216-7600 www.shelbycountyrehab.com

Grandview Medical Center (205) 971-1000 www.grandviewhealth.com/

Baptist Health Shelby Hospital (205) 620-8100 www.shelbybaptistmedicalcenter.com/ locations

UAB St. Vincent’s (205) 930-2134 healthcare.ascension.org/

Human Resources Consulting Cisso Bean & Dutch, LLC (205) 542-8881 www.cissobeandutch.com

Ridgway Advisors, LLC (205) 914-8412 www.ridgwayadvisors.com

HOSPITALITY

La Quinta Inn & Suites / Auburn Hospitality 334-778-7059 HVAC

Dunn’s HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical (205) 881-3866 www.calldunns.com

Engle Services (256) 369-1450 www.engleservices.com

Gulf States Automation, Inc. (205) 532-1990 www.gulfstatesautomation.com

Optimist Heating & Cooling, LLC (205) 542-3204 www.optimisthvac.com

Skelton’s Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration (205) 879-3413 www.skeltonsair.com

INDIVIDUAL

BG2, LLC

205-243-5405 www.bg2llc.com

The Honorable Chris Curry (205) 908-7222

The Honorable Theoangelo Perkins (205) 669-6317 www.theo.lowerealty.com

Industrial Supplies & Services Manville Material Handling Solutions (205) 985-9505 www.manvillesolutions.com

INDUSTRIAL, MEDICAL & SPECIALTY GASES

Holston Gases (205) 664-9087 www.holstongases.com

INDUSTRY

Altec, Inc. (205) 991-7733 www.altec.com/

EBSCO Industries, Inc. 205-991-6600 www.ebscoind.com

Plant Power & Control Systems, LLC (205) 663-4433 www.plantpower.com

SEPCO, Sealing Equipment Products Company (205) 403-7500 www.sepcousa.com

Vulcan Materials Company (205) 663-0749 www.vulcanmaterials.com

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Neulogix Solutions (659) 204-4332 www.neulogixsolutions.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CMIT Solutions of Birmingham South (205) 960- 2648 www.cmitsolutions.com

MC2 Development Team (205) 383-2332 www.mc2devteam.com

Redbald LLC 205-506-2119 www.redbald.com

Sawyer Solutions, LLC (844) 448-7767 www.sawyersolutionsllc.com/

INSULATED GLASS

Over The Mountain Glass, Inc. (205) 733-8938 www.otmglass.com

INSURANCE

Alfa Insurance – Kyle Hicks Agency 205-374-2110 www.alfainsurance.com/kylehicks

Benefit Specialists Group LLC 205-965-0614 KarenTheMedicareLady.com

Bob Butterworth State Farm Insurance (205) 665-7190 www.bobbutterworth.net

Charlene Smith Agency, Farmers Insurance 205-287-8356 www.agents.farmers.com

Farmers Insurance - Joseph Buff Agency (205) 701-4924 agents.farmers.com/al/chelsea/josephbuff

Hairston Brown Financial & Insurance Services (205) 685-1333 www.hairstonbrown.com

Legacy Insurance & Financial Services (formerly Insurance Place) (205) 995-1956 www.legacyinsurance.org

Neil Bailey Insurance & Investments (205) 985-4517 nbailey.com/page19.html

Rux Carter Insurance (205) 669-3158 www.ruxcarterinsurance.com

Ryan Fagerstrom State Farm Agency (205) 985-2917 www.insuredwithryan.com

Southern Heritage Insurance (205) 617- 8020 www.southernheritage.com

State Farm Insurance, Blake Guy Agency (205) 988-4525 www.blakeguyinsurance.com

State Farm Insurance, Brittani Morris Agency (205) 988-4526 www.statefarm.com/agent/US/ AL/Alabaster/Brittani-BradenBJMH4724VGE

State Farm Insurance Drew Balch Agency (256) 497-5123

State Farm Insurance, Tyler Rutledge Agency (205) 678-3334 www.planwithtyler.com

State Farm Insurance, Vivian Mora Agency (205) 822-5023 www.vivianmoraagency.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Stagecoach Antiques, LLC (205) 623- 7629 www.stagecoachantiques.com

ITALIAN ICE

Jeremiahs Italian Ice 205-618-9118 www.facebook.com/JeremiahsIce7002

LAND MANAGEMENT

Landscape Services, Inc. (205) 991-9584

LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR

Advanced Landscape Services 205-493-1650 www.advancelandscape.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALL

SYNLawn of Alabama 205-590-9549 www.synlawnalabama.com

LANDSCAPING/ VEGETATION CONTROL

Acre Group LLC (205) 453-9367 www.acrelandscape.com

SuperiorScape, Inc. (205) 678-2425 www.superiorscape.net

LAUNDROMAT

Bam’s Coin Laundry, LLC (256) 749-4332 www.bamscoinlaundry.net

LAWN CARE SERVICES

Crown Landscaping & Lawn ServicesConstruction & Restoration (205) 624-2033 www.facebook.com/crownlawnservices

The Grass Guys (205) 523-4897 www.birminghamgrass.com/ LEGAL SERVICES

AMP Law LLC (205) 641-4845 www.myAlabamalaw.com

Jim Pino & Associates, P.C. (205) 663-1581 www.jimpinoandassociates.com

Snable Stevenson & Silva 205-582-8000 www.snablestevenson.com

The Hardy Law Firm, LLC

LIBRARIES

Albert L. Scott Public Library (205) 664-6822 www.shelbycounty-al.org

North Shelby Library (205) 439-5500 www.northshelbylibrary.org

LIQUOR

The Spot @ 280 205-218-9227 www.bottlezoo.com/store/bz_thespot

LOCKSMITH

LockCorp Inc (205) 565-7339 www.lockcorpinc.com

LODGING

Best Western Plus Birmingham Inn (205) 995-8586 bwbirmingham.com

Candlewood Suites of Alabaster (205) 620-0188 www.candlewoodsuites.com/alabasteral

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pelham (205) 987-9879 www.marriott.com/bhmfp

Hampton Inn & Suites 280 at Eagle Point (205) 981-0024 www. birmingham280easteaglepointsuites. hamptoninn.com

Hampton Inn & Suites of Pelham (205) 313-9500

Hampton Inn of Calera (205) 668-6565 www.calera.hamptoninn.com

Hyatt Place Birmingham-Inverness (205) 995-9242 www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/alabama/ hyatt-place-birmingham-inverness/bhmzi

Quality Inn Pelham (205) 444-9200 www.qualityinn.com/hotel-pelhamalabama-AL065#listpos1

Ramada (205) 987-0444

Sleep Inn (205) 982-9800 www.choicehotels.com

MACHINE & EQUIPMENT SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATION

Snag Equipment & Lubrication (205) 296-0436 snagequipment.com

MANUFACTURER

Alabama Custom Trailer and RV LLC (205) 624- 3291 www.actrvalabama.com

Alabama Glas Tek, Inc. (205) 592-4527 www.alabamaglastek.com/

Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company 205-841-2653 Cocacolaunited.com/locations/ birmingham

Cheney Lime & Cement Company (205) 625-3031 www.cheneylime.com

Danieli Taranis LLC (205) 678-7451 www.danieli-usa.com

Manufacture Good (205) 937-6649 www.manufacturegood.org

Process Barron (205) 663-5330 www.processbarron.com/

Saginaw Pipe Company, Incorporated (205) 664-3670 www.saginawpipe.com/

Siluria Brewing Company LLC (205) 624- 3037 www.siluriabrewingcompany.com

Surface One Inc (205) 621-1125 surface1.com/

Vulcan Steel Products (205) 620-5100 www.vulc.com

MARINE / TRANSPORTATION

Coosa Composites (205) 663-3225 www.coosacomposites.com

MARKETING

Brownstone Marketing Solutions (205) 789-3600 www.bmsllc.biz

Irons Media Group (205) 678-9079 www.ironsmediagroup.com

Nick the Marketer, LLC (205) 610-9550 www.nickthemarketer.com

Trustway Marketing (205) 451-1945 trustway.marketing MEDIA

ABC 33/40 (205) 982-3942 www.abc3340.com/

CBS 42 (205) 322-4200 www.cbs42.com/

FOX6 WBRC-TV (205) 322-6666 www.myfoxal.com

Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. (205) 669-3131 www.shelbycountyreporter.com

WBHM (205) 934-2606 www.wbhm.org

WVTM 13 (205) 933-1313 www.alabamas13.com/

MEDICAL - GENERAL

American Family Care of Alabaster (205) 403-8902 www.afcurgentcare.com/ alabaster/?utm_source=GMB&utm_ medium=organic&utm_ campaign=alabaster

American Family Care of Calera (205) 319-8000 www.afcurgentcare.com

American Family Care of Greystone (205) 201-7290 www.americanfamilycare.com

American Family Care of Pelham (205) 621-6411 www.afcurgentcare.com/ pelham/?utm_source=GMB&utm_ medium=organic&utm_ campaign=pelham

Columbiana Clinic (205) 669-3138 www.columbianaclinicllc.com/

Eminence Clinic Urgent Care Pelham (205) 920-1211 www.eminenceclinic.com

Fastpace Health (659) 242-5456 www.fastpacehealth.com

Grandview Medical Clinic of Columbiana (205) 670-9691

Southern Immediate Care (205) 409-2794 www.southerimmediatecare.com

Southern Wellness LLC (205) 624-4325 www.southernwellnessmed.com

Therachem Research Medilab LLC (205) 427-0419 therachem.net/ MEDICAL - SPECIALIZED

Alabama Psychiatry (205) 540-7477 www.alpsychiatry.com

Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center (205) 663-1252 www.centralalabamawellness.org

Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation (205) 669-1712 www.columbianahealthandrehab.com

Heart South Cardiovascular Group, PC (205) 663-5775 www.heartsouthpc.com

Inverness Dermatology (205) 995-5575 www.invernessderm.com

Lemak Sports Medicine, LLC (205) 329-7500 Lemakhealth.com/

Shelby Oral Facial Surgery, PC (205) 208-0167 www.ShelbyOFS.com

METAL FABRICATOR

American Millwright and Fabrication, LLC (205) 718-2743 www.faceboob.com/AMFwelding MILITARY SERVICE

Alabaster Veterans Center, Inc. (205) 728-5700 www.alabasterveterans.org

Birmingham Air National Guard (205) 714-2287

Mobility Specialists

Next Day Access 205-578-7676 www.nextdayaccess.com

MOLD, WATER AND ASBESTOS REMEDIATION

Homeworx Birmingham Inc. 205-809-3777 www.homeworxbham.com

MORTGAGE

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group (205) 999-8217

www.atlanticbay.com/scottmoulton.com

First Federal Mortgage (205) 969-3334 www.1stfedmortgage.com

Gagliano Mortgage, Inc. (205) 979-4412 www.birminghammortgagecompany. com

Leader One Financial (205) 872-1173 www.scottmoulton.leader1.com

MOVING & STORAGE

Armstrong Relocation & Companies (205) 942-1625 www.armstrongrelocation.com

Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. (205) 972-0744 www.changingspacesmoving.com

MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (205) 668-3435 www.hodrrm.org/

Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington (205) 669-8767 www.washingtonmuseum.com/

Shelby County Historical Society, Incorporated (205) 669-3912 www.schsociety.org

Shelby Iron Works Park (205) 669-2465

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Alabama Childhood Food Solutions (205) 451-2358 www.alabamachildhoodfood.com

Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Shelby County Office (205) 669-6763 www.aces.edu

Blanket Fort Hope (205) 901-3570 www.blanketforthope.org

Cahaba Medical Care (205) 679-6326 www.cahabamedicalcare.com

Calera Main Street www.caleramainstreet.org

Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship - REACH Women’s Business Center (256) 428-8190 www.catalystcenter.org

Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama (205) 669-3836 www.capmal.org

Family Connection, Inc. 205-663-6301 www.familyconnection-inc.org

Junior League of Birmingham (205) 879-9861 www.jlbonline.com

Liberty Learning Foundation (800) 239-0005 www.libertylearning.org

Lifeline Children’s Services (205) 967-0811 www.lifelinechild.org

National Alliance on Mental IllnessShelby (NAMI-Shelby) (205) 202-0827 www.namishelby.com

Republican Women of North Shelby County (205) 999-3111 algop.org/event/republican-women-ofnorth-shelby-county-2/2022-08-09/

Second Shift 205-913-2822 www.secondshiftalabama.org

Shelby County RSVP 205-670-6570 www.positivematurity.org

Shelby Volunteers in Services, Inc. 205-671-7505

Two by Two Rescue 205-470-3933 www.twobytworescue.com

OFFICE EQUIPMENT - SALES & LEASING

Xerox Business Solutions (205) 969-3000 southeast.xeroxbusinesssolutions.com/

OFFICE FURNITURE

OFC Workscapes, Inc. (205) 730-1190 www.ofcworkscapes.com

ORTHODONTICS

Calera Orthodontics (205) 620-4611 www.caleraortho.com

ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST

Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center (205) 939-3699 www.andrewssportsmedicine.com

PAIN MANAGEMENT

The Doleys Clinic / / Pain & Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (205) 982-3596 www.doleysclinic.com

PARAMEDICS

Regional Paramedical Services (205) 664-1036 www.rpsems.com

PAVING - ASPHALT

Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc (334) 356-2560 www.wiregrassconstruction.com

PAYROLL SERVICES

BP Payroll LLC (205) 995-5288 www.bppayroll.com

PEST CONTROL & SERVICES

Cook’s Pest Control - South District Office (205) 980-0920 www.cookspest.com

Empower Pest Solutions (205) 383-7041 www.empowerpestsolutions.com

Mr. Bugg’s Pest Patrol, Inc. (205) 663-1919 mrbuggs.com/

Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. (205) 663-4200 www.vulcantermite.com

Wayne’s Environmental Services, Inc. (205) 985-7009 www.callwaynes.com

PET GROOMING SERVICES

World Class Kennels (205) 672-2599 www.worldclasskennels.com

PHARMACIES

Brooklere Pharmacy (205) 664-1200 www.brooklererx.com

Davis Drug (205) 669-6713 www.mygnp.com/pharmacies/davisdrug-company-columbiana-al-35051/

PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

Elizabeth Grandy Photography 205-409-1590 www.elizabethgrandyphotography.com

Physical Therapy

ATI Physical Therapy – Pelham (205) 840-3924 www.atipt.com

EW Motion Therapy (205) 999-5391 www.ewmotiontherapy.com

Therapy South Alabaster Hwy 119 205-608-9950 www. therapysouth.com/locations/ alabasterhwy119/

Therapy South of Chelsea (205) 678- 7272

TherapySouth of Pelham (205) 664-8404 www.therapysouth.com

PLUMBING & GAS FITTERS

AH Plumbing, LLC (205) 807-7137

PLUMBING SERVICES

K & S Plumbing Services, LLC (877) 251-3194 www.ksplumbingal.com

Roto-Rooter Services Co. 205-518-7072 www.rototooter.com

The Neighborhood Plumber (205) 663-0612 www.theneighborhoodplumber.com/

PRINTING SERVICES

Minuteman Press of Central Alabama 205-621-2722 www.myprintshop.vip

Soul Ink Printing (205) 677-2177 www.soulinkprinting.com

The Awards & Engraving Place (205) 823-7676 www.alabamaawards.com/

The UPS Store Calera 205-668-4822 www.locations.theupsstore.com/al/ calera/136-marketplace-circle

PRINTER SERVICES INK & TONER

Cartridge World 205-822-6767 www.cwvestaviahills.com

PRIVATE LABEL GIFT COMPANY

Amanda Klein Co (205) 259-9121 www.amandakleinco.com

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Vivid Ink (205) 915-7440 www. vividinkprint.com

PROPANE Ferrellgas (800) 344-1939 www.ferrellgas.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Birmingham Home Leasing (205) 259-1918 www.birminghamhomeleasing.com/

Sealy Management Co. Inc (205) 391-6000 www.sealyrealty.com

PUBLICATIONS

Birmingham Christian Family Magazine (205) 408-7150 www.birminghamchristian.com

JBMC Media (205) 617-9609 www.jbmcmedia.com

Starnes Media (205) 313-1780 starnes.media

Women’s Exchange (205) 967-0085 www.womens-exchange.com

REAL ESTATE

ARC Realty (205) 969-8910 www.arcrealtyco.com/

ARC Realty - Chelsea (205) 881-4503 www.arcrealtyco.com/real-estateoffice/114/chelsea

ARC Realty – Deidre Bland (601) 880-3803 www.arcrealtyco.com/real-estateagent/2122/deidre-bland

ARC Realty- Samantha Cato (205) 422-7547 www.scatorrealtor.com

EXIT Magic City Realty - Trish Tuma (205) 688-6685 www.trishtuma.com

EXIT Realty Cahaba (205) 848-2228 www.exitroyalrealtycahaba.com

EXIT Realty Prime (205) 420-8989 www.baileyreg.com

GENREV Properties / Canopy at Oak Mountain (205) 979-3790 www.genrevproperties.com

Grissom Realty Group – Keller Williams Hoover (205) 260-8706 www.facebook.com/Grissom-RealtyGroup-Keller-Williams-Hoover-DeniseGrissom-109115698454112

Iron City Premier Realty (205) 327-5033 www.facebook.com/IronCityPremierRealty

Jessica Spencer - Keller Williams Hoover (205) 218-4487 www.homesinbham.com

Kim Scherer and Company - KW Metro South (205) 966-8678 www.goingbeyond.kw.com

Southern Realty Specialists (205) 426-1113 www.southernrealtyspecialists.com

REAL ESTATE - COMMERCIAL

eXp Commercial - Myers Enterprises (205) 616-1445 www.scottmyersenterprises.com

Cushman & Wakefield/EGS Commercial Real Estate (205) 939-4440 www.egsinc.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

ARC Realty - Cindy Edmunds, Agent (205) 229-2774 www.arcrealtyco.com

eXp Realty -- Shane Plyler, Agent (205) 440-2193 www.shanesellsalabama.com

Jamie Stone-Broker Associate-Keller Williams Vestavia (205) 365-6956

Michelle Lagle Hicks, eXp Realty, LLC (205) 840-3924 www.lagleproperties.com

Ray & Poynor (205) 879-3036 www.raypoynor.com/

Team Lehman, Keller Williams Metro South (205) 542-4011 www.team-lehman.com

RealtySouth - Shelby (205) 663-3895 shelby.realtysouth.com/

RECREATION

Alabaster Senior Center (205) 663-1307 www.cityofalabaster.com/facilities/ facility/details/seniorcenter-16

Birmingham Barons Baseball (205) 988-3200 www.barons.com

Blue Water Park LLC (205) 663-7428 www.bluewaterparkal.com

City of Pelham Parks and Recreation (205) 620-6426 www.pelhamalrecreation.gov

Majestic Caverns (256) 378-7252 www.majesticcaverns.com/

Oak Mountain State Park (205) 620-2520 www.alapark.com/OakMountain

Old Baker Farm (205) 672-7209 www.oldbakerfarm.com/

Pelham Racquet Club (205) 621-3380 www.pelhamracquetclub.com/

Regions Tradition (205) 967-4745 /www.regionstradition.com/

SCPARA (205) 991-2015

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION

Shelby Baptist Association (205) 669-7858 www.shelbybaptist.org

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RENOVATION/RESTORATION

Restoration 1 of Birmingham (205) 515-7893 www.restoration1.com/birmingham RESTAURANTS

Arby’s - Chelsea (205) 677-9096 www.arbys.com/ locations/?q=Chelsea%20al

Baumhower’s Victory Grille (205) 995-5151 www.baumhowers.com

Chick-Fil-A at Greystone (205) 995-8333

Chick-Fil-A at Inverness (205) 995-9925 www.chick-fil-a.com/inverness DC’s Smokehouse (205) 668-2161

Dos Tequilas LLC (901) 653-4853 www.dostequilasrestaurant.com/

Dreamland BBQ -- Highway 280 (205) 820-7427 www.dreamlandbbq.com

Dunkin’ in Helena (205) 580-1961 www.dunkindonuts.com

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (205) 358-7833 www.freddysusa.com

Half Shell Oyster House (205) 730-5566 www.halfshelloysterhouse.com

Hit Different Barbeque and Grill 205-358-8030 www.hitdifferentfoodtruck.com

Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q at Greystone (205) 991-1306 www.JimnNicks.com

Joe’s Italian Pizza Pasta & Cafe (205) 663-4111 www.joesitalianonline.com/

Maya Mexican Restaurant Alabaster (205) 624-4477 www.mayamxrestaurant.com

Milo’s Hamburgers - Alabaster (205) 871-2000 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers - Calera (205) 668-7748 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers - Inverness (205) 991-6456 www.miloshamburgers.com

Milo’s Hamburgers - Pelham (205) 402-0722 www.miloshamburgers.com

Oak House (205) 843-0047 www.oakhouseeats.com

Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse (205) 538-8850

Slice Pizza & Brew 205-492-3981 Slicebirmingham.com

Taco Mac 205-453-4200 www.tacomac.com

Taco Mama (205) 705-3333 www.tacomamaonline.com

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café (205) 380-4344 www.tazikiscafe.com

The Copper Train (205) 358-8179 www.facebook.com/thecoppertrain

The HoneyBaked Ham Company (205) 620-9899 www.myhoneybakedstore.com/ alabaster/808

The Steakhouse of Helena (205) 208-0281

Tin Top Bar B Que 2 (205) 670-0583 www.tintopbarbque2.business.site/

VJ’s Restaurant (205) 670-5109 www.facebook.com/ vjsrestaurantatthelake

RETAIL

Bailey Brothers Music Company (205) 271-7827 www.baileybrothers.com

Cahaba Tractor Company (205) 663-1470 www.cahabatractor.com

Honey and Blush Boutique (205) 677- 6127 www.honeyblushboutique.com

Mountain High Outfitters (404) 966-0543 www.mountainhighoutfitters.com

plant 205-319-7071 www.plantcalera.com

PolyCc Premium PCOS (205) 777-2922 www.polycspremiumpcos.com

Rockett’s Bug Juice Gardens, Inc. 205-981-1151 www.bugjuicegardens.com

Sew Joleque (844) 565-3783 www.sewjoleque.com

Shoe Station (803) 504- 4754 www.shoestation.com

The Farm Company (205) 396-6896 www.thefarmcompany.net/

TNT Fireworks (205) 651-8300 www. tntfireworks.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Danberry At Inverness (205) 443-9500 www.danberryatinverness.com

Gardens of Pelham Assisted Living (205) 402-9922 www.gardensofpelham.com

ROOFING

Little Pigs Roofing (205) 441-8087 www.littlepigsroofing.com

STA DRY Roofing & Construction 205-218-9772 www.stadry.net

The Roofing Dudes, LLC (205) 732-7231 www.theroofingdudes.com

Yellowhammer Roofing, Inc (205) 988-3337 yellowhammerroofing.com

RUBBER PRODUCTS

Specification Rubber Products (205) 663-2521 www.specrubber.com/

RV SALES & SERVICE

Great American RV Superstores (844) 642-4947 www.greatamericanrv.com

SECURITY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Comtex Technologies (205) 871-3000 www.comtex.org

SECURITY SERVICES

Foundation Enterprises LLC (205) 529-0829

SEED & FEED STORE

Sweet Tweets Bird Supply (205) 490-3235

SENIOR LIVING PLACEMENT

Oasis Senior Advisors (205) 588-8950 www.oasissenioradvisors.com/ birmingham-al

Senior Placement Services (205) 410-9260 www.seniorplacementservicesllc.com

SIGNS

FASTSIGNS (205) 823-4045 www.fastsigns.com/198

SITE WORK CONSTRUCTION

Pipelines, LLC (205) 358-8202 www.pipelinesllc.com

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY

Rehab Select at Shelby Ridge (205) 620-8500 www.rehabselect.net/

SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT

Sanspree Consulting 205-531-1695

Specialty Foods 205-518-5586

SPECIALTY GIFTS

Preppy Pinkies LLC (941) 201-9435 preppypinkies.com

SPORTS CLUB

Birmingham Bulls Hockey Club, LLC (256) 620-6870 www.bullshockey.net

Birmingham Legion FC (205) 600-4720 www.bhmlegion.com

Magic City SC www.magiccitysc.com

STEEL FABRICATORS

Dunn Building Company, LLC (205) 510-0243 www.dunnbuildingcompany.com

STORAGE

Attic Plus Storage (205) 969-1860 www.atticplus.com

STORAGE – FACILITIES

American Self Storage, LLC (205) 624-2336 www.amss4al.com

CoolBox Self Storage - Caldwell Mill (205) 991-9449 www.coolboxselfstorage.com

Greystone Self Storage, LLC (205) 206-7882 www.greystoneselfstorage.com/

Lumpkin Development 205-985-5074 www.lumpkindevelopment.com

Metro Mini Storage 205-985-8701 www.metroministorage.com

The Narrows Self Storage (205) 438-6200 www.thenarrowsselfstorage.com

SWIMMING POOLS

Swimming Pool Services, LLC (205) 601-3385 www.swimmingpoolservices.net

TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES

Taxsolute Taxes & Notary Services, LLC (205) 573-6136

Cornerstone Certified Public Accounting, LLC (205) 678-8033 Cornerstonecpanow.com

Wilson Computer Support (205) 985-9942 www.wilsoncomputer.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AT&T – Alabama (205) 714-0523 www.att.com

Enhanced Telecommunications & Data 205-421-3080 www.etd.com

Low Latency Communications, LLC (205) 745-3970 www.lowlatencycomm.com

T-Mobile (205) 344-2151

TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES

Business Telephones Incorporated (205) 988-8297 www.bticonnect.com

THRIFT STORE

The Foundry Ministries (205) 424-4673 www.foundryministries.com

TIRE WHOLESALER

Tire Engineers @ Hwy 280 (205) 408-2720 www.tireengineers.com/

TRAILER LEASING

Metro trailer Leasing, Inc. 205-985-9701 www.metrotrailer.com

TRAINING

Alabama Technology Network (205) 856-8000 www.atn.org

Sandler Training in Alabama by KSA Inc. (205) 306-8164 www.ksainc.sandler.com

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR HOMELESS

Farm for Hope 205-787-0881

TRANSPORTATION

Bill Franklin Enterprises (205) 965-3889

Penske Truck Leasing (205) 942-6985 www.penske.com

TRAVEL AGENCY

Wishes Travel (205) 201-9503 https://www.wishestravel.com

TRUCK RENTAL

Metro Truck Rental, Inc. 205-985-8701 www.metrotruckrental.com

UTILITY COMPANIES

Alabama Water Utilities (205) 226-1720 www.alabamapower.com

Gaston Steam Plant (205) 669-8007

SouthWest Water Company (205) 987-8352 www.CleanerCahaba.info

Spire Alabama, Inc. (800) 292-4008 www.spireenergy.com

Sterrett - Vandiver Water System, Inc. (205) 672-3396 www.svwatersystem.com

The Birmingham Water Works Board 205-244-4000 www.bwwb.org

VACATION RENTAL

Lighthouse 1115 (205) 909-7363 www.vrbo.com/2088299

VETERINARIAN

280 Animal Medical Center (205) 678-8253 www.280amc.com

Airport Veterinary Hospital, P.C. (205) 621-0500 airportveterinaryhospitalofcalera.com/

Constant Companion Animal Hospital (205) 635-0313 constantcompanionvet.com

Helena Veterinary Clinic (205) 236-0500 www.helenavetclinic.com

Oak View Animal Hospital (205) 988-3559 www.oakviewah.com

Shelbiana Animal Clinic (205) 669-7717 www.shelbianaanimalclinic.com/

Valleydale Animal Clinic (205) 991-5416 http://www.valleydaleanimalclinic.com

WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES

Bin There Dump That (205) 406-5850 www.birminghameast. bintheredumpthatusa.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

GFL Environmental 205-329-5691 www.gflenv.com

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

OneAscent Wealth Management, LLC (205) 313-9142 www.oneascentwealth.com

WEB DESIGN & SERVICES

Great New Day Internet Solutions, LLC (205) 939-3565 www.greatnewday.com

WEDDING VENUE

Douglas Manor (205) 369-8714 www.douglasmanorevents.com/

WELLNESS CLINIC

Bailey Wellness Group (205) 378-7059 www.baileywellnessgroup.com/

creACTive Wellness Center (205) 918-3305 www.getcreactive.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Van Gogh Window Fashions (205) 987-3711 vangoghwindowfashions.com

WINERY

Corbin Farms Winery (205) 685-0655 www.corbinfarmswinery.com/

Morgan Creek Vineyards (205) 672-2053 www.morgancreekwinery.com

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Central Alabama Partnership for Training & Employment (CAPTE) (205) 325-4880 www.mycapte.org/

Central Six Alabama Works! (205) 719-3227 www.CentralSix.org

The Onin Group (205) 298-7233 www.oningroup.com

COLUMBIANA COMMUNITY EVENTS

PHOTOS BY RACHEL HENDERSON

On Friday, Dec. 6, the city of Columbiana hosted its annual Christmas parade, and the Shelby County Arts Council held an artist market.

1. Brittany and Matt Harris

2. Carl Guthery, Harris Carriage and Caisson

3. Emersyn, Barry and Joyce Etress

4. Emily Sledge, Nancy Thomas and Missy Wilson

5. Isaac, Abigail, Justin and Jamie Ellis

6. Jerit Owens and Dyllon Johnson

7. Kristen Vick and Max Loveless

8. Hunter Schlehmeier, Matthew Johnson, Ash Roberts and Heather Clark

PELHAM CHRISTMAS PARADE

PHOTOS BY DAVE

DOMESCIK

The Pelham Christmas Parade saw holiday cheer abound, as various Pelham organizations, students and families alike gathered to ring in the holiday season with colorful floats, Christmas carols and the magic of the season on Saturday, Dec. 14.

1. Catherine and Julian Esquivel

2. Paul Dyer and Josh Viers

3. Ari Fastino, David Sims and Brandy Nail

4. Frankie, Martha and Kasey Catchings

5. Chris, Erin, Eliza and Natalie Allman

6. Miles and Courtney Boyd

7. Emma Grace Morgan, John Nguyen and Giselle Chavez

8. Maria and Kaleigh Groover with Rachel and Tyler Keeley alongside Sarah Alkahlout

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

In a display of gratitude and solidarity, members of the community gathered together on Saturday, Dec. 14 to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Alabama National Cemetery in recognition of National Wreaths Across America Day.

1. Malinda Thomas, Eleanor Homes, Maleigha Secnulevich and Bill Underwood with John and Cliff Windham alongside Dylan Palmier

2. Elijah Hudson, Gabriel Heintz and Denton McDonald

3. Lorrie, Craig and Adisyn Cook

4. Charles and Lauren Mann

5. Keith Pearson, Michael Johnson, Shenetra Alexander, Arthur Bowens, Sidney Lankford Jr. and Angela McKnight

6. Kaitlyn Allen with Elizabeth, Michael and Gordon Parker, Joel McDaniel and Amanda Brown

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM

CHELSEA VS. HELENA BASKETBALL

As Chelsea and Helena took the floor to begin area play, fans from across the county attended to see the two squads do battle on Sunday, Jan. 12.

1. Ronald and Jacquita Moody

2. Rylynn Purifoy with Dana, Brian and Brody Rhodes

3. Alex Craft with Jon and Veda Spurlock

4. Mike McNamee, Hootie Ingram and Mark Snow

5. Tim and Judy Heath with Amanda Jennings

6. Braylon and Brandon Nathan

7. Shannon and Chris Moller

8. Kandice and Kirkland Thomas with Ashlee and Sullivan Harper

PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE LUNCHEON

PHOTOS BY TYLER RALEY

At a luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 8, Shelby County’s local legislators provided a preview as to what to expect when the legislative session opens on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

1. Larry Riggins and Jim Purvis

2. John Lehman, Leann Streetman and Courtney Nunn

3. Paul Johnson and Keith Brown

4. Wesley Hallman, Lizbeth Juarez, Kira Thomas and Tiffany Bunt

5. Bridgette Jordan-Smith and Kim Mashego

6. Lina Evans and Gary Waters

7. Paul Simmons, Lee Dorrill, Will Swift, Gary Holt and Josh Coker

21ST ANNUAL MONTEVALLO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION

The 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which was held on Jan. 20, saw citizens and leaders of Montevallo come together to celebrate the ongoing legacy of an American hero and champion of justice and equality.

1. Angela Adams, Evelyn Mitchell, Deborah Staffney, Shirley Cunningham and Madison

2. Marcia Sturdevant, Troy Goss and Cheryl Olin

3. Candice Griffith and Lisa Trammell

4. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

5. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

6. Deborah Hudson

7. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

PHOTOS BY DAVE DOMESCIK

BROKEN ASHLER PREMIERE

BY ANNA GRACE MOORE

Marrying the line dividing conspiracy and reality, the short film, Broken Ashler, premiered for the first and only time at the Shelby County Arts Council on Saturday, Jan. 25. Film creators and Calera residents Terry W. Wester and Kevin Wayne utilized majority local talent, shooting 100 percent of the film in Alabama.

1. Marti Patterson and Kassy Hagan

2. The Rhoden family

3. Garry Jones

4. Pam and Blake Childers

5. Dennis and Natalia Moore

6. Erik and Tonia Baker

7. Michael Ray and Hayden Underhill

8. Grant Holland and Amy Roberts

9. Robert Levin

10. Jessie Miles, Erik Baker and Kelly Sullivan

11. Erik Baker and Kelly Griggs

12. Maegan and Derrin Nielson with Erik and Tonia Baker alongside Kevin Wayne and Kari Wilson

13. Erik Baker, Kevin Wayne, Brooke Armstrong, Chuck St John and Robin Wallace

14. Erik Baker and Adam Murphy

15. Creek Wilson, Kevin Wayne and Garry Jones

16. Joe Cook and Erik Baker

PHOTOS

BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY PANEL & PRESENTATION

Local business leaders shared their outlook on what 2025 will look like in their business sectors during the 2025 Business Outlook Conference on Jan. 29.

Charmaine Dye and Scott Myers

Scott Reaves and Staci Garner

Bonnie Suit and Mike Raita

Amy Sturdevant, Anna Catherine Roberson and Nelson Park

Lizbeth Juarez and Jeff Purvis

Kira Thomas and Telra Rocker

Kim Starling, Scott Elliott and Lynn Ray

Scott Gossett and Adam Carroll

Stephanie Knight, Brian Parker and Brian Wheeler

Jeff Purvis and Kevin Morris

Ken Sawyer and Austin Senseman

Steven A. Smith and Larry E. Courington

Lynn Ray and Kim Starling

Bryan Massey and Maurice Mercer

Bill Connor and Keith Brown

Rick Wash, Gretchen DiFante and Tracy Hill with Lynn and Gary Waters 17. Clay Sorensen and Micah McLaughlin

PHOTOS BY NOAH WORTHAM

FORGING FAMILIES

5K/10K

BY NOAH WORTHAM

With 176 registered runners, the sixth annual Forging Families 5K/10K raised $11,308.30 for Sacred Selections through a series of athletic races on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Columbiana.

1. Lane Rutherford and Ron Sipes

2. Ethan Long, Trey Morgan and Bradyn Lamb

3. Ethan Doering and Jonavan Smith

4. Corley Ellis and Nathan Brasher

5. Amy Dixon, Allison Rogers and Mike Hanner

6. Guylene, Jim and Patrick Jackson

7. Tommy, Heather and Landon Keller

8. Micah Henson, Emily Dixon, Lydia Manning, Ellie Johnson, Jonathan Barnes and Crawford Henson

9. Ron and Kristin Parker

10. Jordan Tetteh and Ayden Elder

11. Corley and Jamison Ellis

12. Paul and Nancy Kellett

13. Alex Locker, Penelope, Kevin and Liz

14. David O., Chris Jeffcoat and Matt Ayers

15. Steve Clark and Sharkey

16. Wyatt Montgomery, Luke, Bradley and Win Anderson

17. Chris, Ali and Caroline Payne

PHOTOS

Marketplace

Automation Personnel Services Hiring

IMMEDIATELY For: Automotive Assembly, General Labor, Production, Clerical, Machine Operator, Quality, Carpentry, Welder, Foundry. Positions In: Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Bessemer, McCalla. Walk-in applications accepted. Clanton (205)280-0002. Pelham (205)444-9774.

Bama Concrete Now Hiring: Diesel Mechanic 4 Years Minimum Experience. CDL Preferred. Competitive Pay. Great Benefits. Apply in person: 2180 Hwy 87 Alabaster, 35007

Now Hiring For Utility Positions Starting pay $15.14/hour Must be able to pass background screen. Please apply at: www.bc.com

BRIAN’S TREE SERVICE•TREES CUT FROM THE TOP DOWN!•SAFE TREE REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS!•STUMP GRINDING!•GENERAL LIABILITY•WORKERS COMP WWW.

BRIANSTREE.COM 205281-2427

Central Alabma Wellness Mental Health Services Office locations in Calera, Clanton, Pelham, and 280! 205-651-0077 Visit our website to learn more centralalbamawellness. org

Shelby County Schools

Substitute Teachers

Limitless opportunities for passionate people! •Free pre-hire training •Paid orientation •Ongoing professional development •Steady, yet flexible, work •Weekly pay •Your preference of schools Contact Anne Gamble:O: 205.682.7062 M: 205.532.1122 anne. gamble@kellyservices. com

Marble Valley Manor. Affordable 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments for Elderly & Disabled. Many on-site services! 2115 Motes Rd, Sylacauga. 256-2456500 •TDD#s: 800548-2547(V) •800-5482546(T/A). Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. Equal Opportunity Provider/Employer Security Guard for Gated Community in North Shelby County Full-time or Part-time. Must have pistol permit. Call Brittany 205-9914653

University Baptist CDC

Pre-K In Montevallo NOW HIRING Lead Teachers for First Class 4 Pre-K program. Long Term substitute for spring semester and maternity leave substitute April-May. Lead Teacher subs must have a bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education/ Development. Experience in First Class program and Bilingual

skills a plus. For questions or resumes, contact Lorrie Ozley: universitybaptistcdc@ gamil.com

Preschool preregistration for 20252026 school year

January 15-March prek. alaceed.alabama.gov

Become a Dental

Assistant in ONLY 8 WEEKS! Please visit our website capstonedentalassisting.com or call (205)561-8118 and get your career started!

DONAVAN LAKES

FISHING CLUB & INN

Marion, Perry Co. AL 2131 Eagle Grove Church Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756

•4 Lakes •11 Piers •Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish. •Camping, Nature Trails, Birding. Membership $1000 for 2025 Contact Thomas Wilson 334-2472101 wils5789@bellsouth.net www.donavanlakes.org Outstanding adventure for the entire family! "

ETS Restorations & Tree Service “From street to walls, we do it all” •Retaining Walls •Concrete Work •Demolition •Landscaping •Tree Removal •Tree Trimming •Bobcat Work •Hardscapes •Hauling FREE ESTIMATES!!!

CALL NOW (205)2097787 (205)683-3257

AUTOMATION L2

SPECIALIST

Danieli Taranis LLC (Chelsea, AL) to be rspns. for dvlpng, cmmsng, prvdng rmte spprt, & trnng rel to L2 autmtn sys; prfrmng startup & cmnng of dedicatd mchnes/ aggrgte accrdng to rel tchncl dcmnttn; prfrmng intrnl tstng of apps; drwng up & prprng oprtr mnuals; prfrmng hrdwre instlltn, elctrcl & ntwrk cnnctns, & autmtn intrcnnctns chckup; instllng & cnfgrng sys sftwre & dbas; intgrtng a combo of prgrmng mdles dvlpd w/ mxd lang envrnmnts; prfrmng Lvl2 srvr bckgrnd srvcs & Lvl2 clnts (OWS/PWS/TWS) apps instlltn; & prfrmng Lvl2 autmtn sys cold & hot tst. Master in Eng, CompSci or rel w/ 3 yrs of prior wrk exp in pos off or rel w/ DCACom PLC driver; DCADispatcher mssge brokr; Delphi prgrmng lbrry; DACI frnt-end WPF C# prgrmng lbrry; & DASI C# prgrmng lbrry. Mst knw (thru acdmc trnng or wrk exp) Orcle, SQLite & MS Access dba mngmnt sys; Telerik UI for WPF; & SAP Crystal Rprts & Rprt Viewer rprtng pltfrms. Resumes to c.hegarty@ danieli.com

Multiple Full-time positions for Personal Care Aides in BIRMINGHAM, AL is immediately available. Provide personalized assistance to individuals

with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. No Minimum Requirement.Send Resume to: Dan Pahos, Owner, Home Instead, 2059 Columbiana Rd.,Birmingham AL 35216

Now Hiring! Termite Treaters and Inspectors

Work with a great local company, in business for over 50 years. BC/ BS insurance, 401k, opportunities available. No experience required Must have a good driving record and be able to pass drug screen. Email to facsmith@charter.net or call 205-369-6250 Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

Wanted Maintenance/ Handyman to assist with vehicle and land upkeep. Must pass background & drug test, have reliable transportation, be able to drive a manual transmission and be willing to work. Apply in person at 115 Commerce Drive Pelham, AL 35124

Vulcan Termite and Pest Control

MY SHELBY COUNTY

BEN TAMBURELLO

Associate Broker with ARC Realty + Philadelphia Eagles Guard & Center 1987-1991

The Beauty in Shelby County

The Shoal Creek Community

The natural beauty of Shoal Creek in Dunnavant Valley is my favorite thing about living here! With Double Oak Mountain as a backdrop providing gorgeous views, especially in the autumn of each year, the several pristine lakes are serene.

Making Memories

Shoal Creek Golf Course

I’ll never forget my first opportunity to play on Shoal Creek Golf Course. It was in 1985, less than a year after Lee Trevino, my favorite golfer growing up, had won the 1984 PGA Championship. I remember pulling for Lee while watching the tournament on television. To be out there playing on such a magnificent course shortly after him seemed surreal!

Real Estate in Shelby County

ARC Realty

I take great pride in my role as a real estate agent in selling Shelby County! Whether one wants smaller, lower-priced homes as a first-time home buyer, or larger estates in gated communities with acreage and mountain top views, Shelby County has it all. The community has great schools, shopping districts and even proximity to beaches, lakes, mountains and larger cities nearby.

Fellowship in Community

Mt Laurel Festival

This event is always a favorite of mine because it showcases the beautiful Dunnavant Valley area and the growth it has experienced in beautiful neighborhoods. Dunnavant Valley is convenient for its access to a plethora of restaurants, retailers and recreational activities. The festival is family-oriented, where one can enjoy food, live music and experience the local vibe.

It Takes a Village

Raising My Family in Hoover

The Hoover City Schools system in Shelby County (Greystone Elementary School, Berry Middle School and Spain Park High School) provided my three children with amazing opportunities in education by truly preparing them for college. The teachers, coaches, administrators and curriculum at Spain Park were second-to-none.

Pictured is my family and I on Pat Dye Field at Jordan Hare Stadium at Auburn University, my own alma mater.